Danny Welbeck celebrated his England call-up by scoring twice as Arsenal beat AC Milan 3-1 Thursday to cruise into the Europa League quarterfinals 5-1 on aggregate. The Gunner were handed a shock at the Emirates when the visitors struck first as Canhaoglu's strike from distance rattled the hosts. Arsenal responded well but Milan were far superior by dominating most of the procedure. The second half belonged entirely to Wenger's boys as Xhaka and Welbeck's brace saw Milan off in style, entering the last eight on a 5-1 aggregate.
German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund suffered a surprise exit at the hands of Salzburg. Two goals by Fernando Torres helped Atletico Madrid oust Lokomotiv Moscow while CSKA Moscow knocked out Lyon after winning the second leg in France 3-2.
Marseille progressed after a 2-1 win at Athletic Bilbao that was marred by crowd trouble. Lazio advanced with a 2-0 win at Dinamo Kiev and Leipzig drew 1-1 at Zenit to go through 3-2 on aggregate.
Viktoria Plzen beat Sporting 2-1 after extra time but it was not enough to prevent the Portuguese team reaching the last eight 3-2 on aggregate.
The draw will be held Friday.
WELBECK ON FIRE
Hakan Calhanoglu put Milan in front after 35 minutes at the Emirates Stadium with a long-range effort. Welbeck, named in England's squad earlier in the day for this month's friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy, levelled for Arsenal from the penalty spot.
Granit Xhaka then netted in the 71st minute before Welbeck made the game safe four minutes from time.
Arsenal, sixth in the Premier League, is likely to have to win the Europa League to secure a spot in the Champions League next season.
TORRES ON TARGET
Torres' brace for Atletico came in the second half against Lokomotiv. He converted a penalty in the 65th minute after substitute Antoine Griezmann was fouled by goalkeeper Anton Kochenkov before adding his second with a low right-foot shot five minutes later.
Angel Correa, Saul Niguez and substitute Antoine Griezmann were also on target for Atletico. Maciej Rybus scored for host Lokomotiv.
Atletico, winner of the competition in 2010 and 2012, advanced 8-1 on aggregate.
MORE VIOLENCE
Bilbao police said two security guards received minor injuries after being attacked by Marseille fans, and that three supporters had been detained.
There was also trouble in the previous round against Spartak Moscow when a police officer died after clashes involving both sets of fans outside the stadium.
On the field Thursday, captain Dimitri Payet followed up his first-leg goal by scoring a penalty in the return match to stretch Marseille's aggregate lead to 4-1.
Lucas Ocampos made it 2-0 on the night after fooling two defenders and shooting low past goalkeeper Iago Herrerin before Inaki Williams pulled one back for Bilbao, which had Aritz Aduriz sent off in the 76th minute.
