Arsenal win first Europa League clash since losing to Galatasaray in 2000

Arsenal won their first Europa League game since 2000 after beating FC Koln 2-1 at the Emirates.

The last time the Gunners were in the competition the Europa League was called the UEFA Cup.

Arsene Wenger was still in charge of the North London outfit back then but was unable to overcome a Galatasaray side which went onto win the competition.

The Lions beat Arsenal in the UEFA Cup final to become the first Turkish side to lift the trophy.

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Galatasaray went onto win the European Super Cup beating Real Madrid as well.

Arsenal went onto qualify for every Champions League following their last Europa League defeat except for their current campaign.

The Gunners do have an impressive record in European competition outside of the Champions League.

Arsenal have reached the final in three of their last four seasons outside the Champions League – doing so in the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994 and 1995, as well as the 2000 UEFA Cup.

The Gunners will take on BATE next in the Europa League, the Belarus side drew their opening game 1-1 with Red Star Belgrade.