Aston Villa Defeats Bologna to Reach Europa League Semi-Finals
Aston Villa advanced to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals after defeating Italian side Bologna in a two-legged quarter-final tie. Manager Unai Emery’s squad secured a 3-1 away victory in the first leg, driven by Ollie Watkins’ brace, before dominating the second leg in Birmingham with a comprehensive win. Watkins scored his 100th club goal in the process, contributing to an emphatic aggregate victory. This success sets up an all-English semi-final clash against Nottingham Forest, bolstering Villa’s pursuit of European glory and domestic Champions League qualification.
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Watkins Hits 100th Goal as Aston Villa Defeat Bologna to Reach Europa League Semi-Final
Aston Villa secured a commanding victory over Bologna in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final, advancing to an all-English semi-final against Nottingham Forest. Ollie Watkins marked a significant milestone by scoring his 100th goal for the club in the 16th minute, setting the tone for a dominant performance under manager Unai Emery. Following Watkins' opener, Emiliano Buendía and Morgan Rogers added further goals, with Rogers scoring despite earlier missing a penalty. Ezri Konsa completed the rout with a late volley, capping off an emphatic aggregate win. The victory allows Villa to focus on their Premier League campaign and Champions League qualification hopes with minimal physical toll. Watkins' performance, marking his fifth goal in seven games, strengthens his case for a recall to the England national squad for the upcoming World Cup under Thomas Tuchel. This match highlights Villa's strong European form and Emery's continued success in the competition, as he seeks his fifth title as a manager. The team displayed tactical discipline and offensive efficiency, overcoming Bologna with ease after establishing a lead in the first leg.
The GuardianAston Villa vs Bologna: Europa League Quarter-Final Second Leg Live
Aston Villa faces Bologna in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final, holding a commanding 3-1 advantage from the first leg played in Italy. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm BST. A victory or draw would secure Villa's place in the semi-finals, where they could meet either Porto or Nottingham Forest. Beyond European success, Aston Villa is also pursuing Champions League qualification through the Premier League, currently sitting seven points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea. Manager Unai Emery aims to balance domestic league commitments against mid-table opponents Sunderland and Fulham with this crucial European tie. The article highlights Villa's strong position, describing their path to the Champions League via either a top-five finish or winning the Europa League as having little immediate peril. Team lineups are provided, with key players like Martínez, Watkins, and McGinn starting for Villa, while Bologna fields Ravaglia and captain Ferguson. The match represents a significant opportunity for Villa to achieve a historic double, keeping their impressive season momentum alive under Emery's guidance.
The GuardianWatkins Doubles Up to Sink Bologna and Put Aston Villa in Driving Seat
Ollie Watkins scored a brace to help Aston Villa secure a crucial away victory against Bologna in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final. Ezri Konsa opened the scoring just before halftime following a goalkeeping error by Federico Ravaglia, while Watkins added two second-half goals, capitalizing on defensive mistakes from the Serie A side. Despite Bologna dominating possession and creating several chances, including a disallowed goal for Santiago Castro and a shot hitting the crossbar by Lewis Ferguson, Villa managed the game effectively. Jonathan Rowe scored a late consolation goal for Bologna, but Watkins sealed the win with a third goal in injury time. The result gives Aston Villa a significant advantage heading into the second leg in Birmingham.
The GuardianBologna v Aston Villa: Europa League Quarter-Final First Leg Live Coverage
Aston Villa faces Bologna in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League quarter-final at the Renato Dall'Ara stadium. The match, kicking off at 8pm BST, features Unai Emery's Villa side, who are seeking their third consecutive European quarter-final appearance and a potential major trophy after a 30-year drought. Emery, a four-time winner of this specific competition, has his squad bolstered by the return of Youri Tielemans from injury. Despite recent league struggles, Villa aims to overcome Bologna, a team praised by Emery for its consistent success, including winning the Coppa Italia in 2025 under coach Vincenzo Italiano. The historic venue, known for its fascist architecture and connection to Mussolini, sets the stage for this high-stakes encounter.
The GuardianUnai Emery Warns Aston Villa to Respect Bologna Ahead of Europa League Quarter-Final
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has cautioned his squad to approach their upcoming Europa League quarter-final against Bologna with utmost respect, warning that the Italian side is a 'winner team' and that Villa cannot be considered favorites. Despite Emery's record four Europa League titles as a manager, he emphasized the difficulty of European competition, particularly following an extended international break that left Villa without competitive action since March 22. Bologna, currently eighth in Serie A, recently defeated Roma in the round of 16 and won the Coppa Italia final last year. The first leg will take place at Bologna's Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, where Emery anticipates a hostile atmosphere for the visitors. He stressed the need for resilience and focus to overcome the challenges of playing away from home.
The Guardian