Europa League semi-final draw: Chelsea paired with Basel

Chelsea must overcome Tottenham's conquerors Basel to reach the final of this season's Europa League.

The Londoners were paired with the Swiss league leaders in the semi-final draw at UEFA headquarters, with Fenerbahce taking on Benfica in the other tie.

Chelsea, who beat Rubin Kazan 5-4 on aggregate in the last eight, will play the first leg in Switzerland on April 25 before hosting Basel at Stamford Bridge a week later.
Basel are competing in their first European semi-final but Thursday's penalty shoot-out defeat of Tottenham came on the back of victory over Zenit St Petersburg in the previous round.

The tournament is guaranteed a new winner this year and Fenerbahce are also novices at this stage of European competition.

Benfica and Chelsea have both won the continent's top prize, but neither have a UEFA Cup or Europa League on their CV.

Of the two Benfica have come closer, losing 2-1 on aggregate to Anderlecht in the 1983 final.

Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez said: "Everyone could be difficult but Basel is not too far away, so maybe it is a good option. We know Basel have a great atmosphere in their stadium, so it will be interesting."