Olympique de Marseilles Dimitri Payet set up both goals as he guided the team to an impressive 2-0 home win over Salzburg in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday.
In London, a late equaliser from French striker Antoine Griezmann gave 10-man Atletico Madrid a precious away-goal advantage over Arsenal in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final at the Emirates.
A night which looked like Arsenals ended with a 1-1 draw on Thursday.
Arsenal were given a huge boost after 10 minutes when Atletico defender Sime Vrsaljko was sent off for stamping on Alexandre Lacazettes foot.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone was also sent to the stands for his furious reaction to the decision.
Arsenal missed a number of clear chances before Lacazette broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, heading Jack Wilsheres cross down into the corner to put the home side in front.
Atletico seized back the initiative in the 82nd minute, however, when Griezmann sped past Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny.
The Frenchman collected his rebounded shot off keeper David Ospina and calmly lifted the ball into the roof of the net.
The teams head back to Madrid for the second leg next week when Atletico, second in Spains La Liga, should have talismanic striker Diego Costa back in their line-up.
In Marseille,Florian Thauvin headed in Payets free kick after 15 minutes and Clinton Njie calmly slotted home in the 63rd to put Marseille in the driving seat against the Austrian champions.
Payet has played a key role in Marseilles run to the last four with five assists and three goals in the knockout stages.
The Frenchman is making a late bid for a place in Frances World Cup squad with an impressive run of form.
Salzburgs Fredrik Gulbrandsen had their best chance when he volleyed against the post late in the second half.
The second leg of the semi-final match will be decided on May 3 as Marseille travel to Austria with a two-goal advantage.
Source: NAN