Unai Emery guided Aston Villa to a 7-1 aggregate demolition of Bologna, sealing a 3-1 first‑leg advantage before a dominant second‑leg now display. Ollie Watkins opened the scoring, netting his 13th of the season and third of the tie, while Emi Buendia restored a two‑goal lead after Morgan Rogers saw a penalty saved. Ezri Konsa capped the win with his second goal of the tie.

Both clubs can point to European Cup triumphs, a rarity that adds weight to the all‑Premier League semi‑final against Nottingham Forest. They met a week earlier at the City Ground, drawing 1-1, and Emery praised the contest as “very good” for supporters. He said Villa stuck to the Bologna game plan, respecting the opponent while being ruthless in the final third.

Watkins celebrated his 100th goal for Villa, his fourth in this Europa League run, underscoring the striker’s resurgence after a lean spell. Emery lauded the forward’s determination and reminded everyone that individual milestones serve the collective aim of reaching Istanbul. With a balanced attack and defensive solidity, Villa now stands one match away from the continental final.