Aston Villa continued their remarkable European form with a clinical 3-1 victory over Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dell'Ara. Unai Emery's side displayed tactical maturity and ruthless finishing to secure a vital win on the road.
Aston Villa seized a commanding first-leg advantage in their Europa League quarter-final with a clinical 3-1 victory over Bologna. Unai Emery's tactical masterclass silenced the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara and established the Villans as the undisputed favourites to reach the final four.
Aston Villa have been hit with a significant injury setback as Jadon Sancho is set for a spell on the sidelines during a pivotal period of the season. The Manchester United loanee is now facing a race against time to return to full fitness for the club's European and domestic run-in.
Aston Villa are being backed to complete a memorable double in 2026, with Champions League qualification being secured through their Premier League standing and a first trophy win in 30 years. Former Villans defender Richard Dunne has told GOAL how landing major silverware and finishing strongly in top-flight competition can help to keep Unai Emery on board.
Vitor Pereira has hailed his side's character and squad depth after Nottingham Forest secured a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Midtjylland to reach the Europa League quarter-finals. The Portuguese tactician expressed his delight at the performance of his fringe players as the club now prepares for a pivotal Premier League showdown against Tottenham.
James McAtee has endured a tough time at Nottingham Forest following his £30 million ($40m) transfer from Manchester City, with the 23-year-old playmaker prompting a “difficult conversation”. Former Reds striker Marlon Harewood has told GOAL why struggles for a spark at the City Ground are difficult to understand, with McAtee clearly a talented individual.
Hardly any other player embodies VfB Stuttgart’s meteoric rise under manager Sebastian Hoeneß – from relegation candidates to a top-flight club – more than Maximilian Mittelstädt. Yet this summer, the success story faces a bittersweet conclusion.
Speaking ahead of the Europa League return leg against Bologna, the Brazilian full-back addressed the much-discussed red card he received in the match against Como.
It’s a blow for Bologna, who have lost their first-choice goalkeeper: he will not be available for the return leg against his former club, Roma, in the Europa League.
Lyon snatched a vital 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo in their Europa League round of 16 first leg. The breakthrough came in the final minutes when Real Madrid loanee Endrick fired a left-footed strike that slipped through goalkeeper Ionut Radu’s grasp in a shocking blunder. The goal was also a big boost for Endrick, who had gone four games without finding the net.
