Aston Villa to Meet Nottingham Forest After Both Progress in UEFA Europa League

Aston Villa will face Premier League counterparts Nottingham Forest in a huge UEFA Europa League Semi-Final.

The Villans powered their way into the Europa League semi-finals with a dominant 4-0 victory over Bologna at Villa Park, sealing a 7-1 aggregate triumph. Unai Emery’s side effectively put the tie to bed inside the first half, with Ollie Watkins opening the scoring on 16 minutes, his 100th goal for the club, before strikes from Emiliano Buendía and Morgan Rogers ensured Villa were in complete control by the interval. Ezri Konsa added a late fourth to cap off a perfect evening for the hosts.

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins speaking to TNT Sports about his 100th goal:

“It’s a milestone every striker wants to hit. The next is 100 Premier League goals, that’s what I have my eyes on.

“It’s an exciting time for me personally and the team. We have everyone fit and are playing our best football.

“We’ve got it all to play for. If someone said we would be fighting for the Champions League and in the semi-final of the European competition, I would’ve bit their hand off!”

Despite the scoreline, the contest was not entirely one-sided, with Bologna seeing more of the ball, with 54% possession and completing more passes. However, Villa’s clinical edge in the final third proved decisive, registering seven shots on target from 13 attempts compared to Bologna’s four from 11. Emery’s side were ruthless when it mattered, turning moments of attacking quality into goals, while the visitors struggled to convert their spells of control into meaningful chances.

The key period came in the first half, where Villa’s intensity and efficiency overwhelmed their Italian opponents. Watkins set the tone early, before Buendía doubled the advantage just 10 minutes later. Rogers, who had earlier missed a penalty, showed resilience to get on the scoresheet before the break, effectively ending any hopes of a Bologna comeback. From there, the second half became a procession, with Villa managing the game comfortably and limiting any real threat.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery speaking in his press conference:

“It’s important for both teams, and we have something similar. These clubs won the Champions League. Two times Nottingham Forest have won, I think at that moment, the European Cup. And Aston Villa have won as well this competition.

“Now to play in the semi-final is something that is very important for us, for them. It’s going to be a very good semi-final for both teams, for the supporters.

“It’s a possibility to play a final. And I know how difficult it is to play semi-finals, and how difficult it is to beat teams when you are playing a semi-final.”

Nottingham Forest edged past Porto in their Quarter final tie with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at the City Ground, sealing a 2-1 aggregate success. Morgan Gibbs-White’s early strike ultimately proved decisive after the visitors were reduced to 10 men inside eight minutes, but the contest was far from comfortable for the hosts. Despite their numerical advantage, Forest were unable to fully put the tie to bed, with Porto twice striking the woodwork and threatening a late twist in a tense second half.

The result marks a significant milestone for Forest, who have reached their first European semi-final in over four decades, and sets up an all-English clash with Unai Emery’s in-form Villa side. Reflecting on the achievement, Gibbs-White described it as “one of the best nights” at the City Ground, while boss Vítor Pereira admitted his side had to dig deep, acknowledging they “deserve to be in the semi-final” despite the nervy finish.

With a semi-final clash now awaiting, Villa head into the final stages of the season full of confidence, and looking to qualify for the UEFA Champions League either through the Premier League or by winning the Europa League, after one of their most complete performances of the season.

Aston Villa have three remaining home fixtures in the Premier League. You can secure your seat with an Eventmasters VIP Hospitality Package here.