Aston Villa Dominates Bologna, Sets Up Semi-Final Clash with Nottingham Forest in Europe

Aston Villa secured a resounding 4-0 victory over Bologna at Villa Park, completing a 7-1 aggregate win in their Europa League quarter-final and setting up a semi-final showdown against Nottingham Forest. Ollie Watkins opened the scoring with his 100th goal for Aston Villa, finishing off a intricate team move. Despite Morgan Rogers having a penalty saved, Emiliano Buendia quickly added a second, and Rogers later made amends before the break. The win marked a confidence-boosting night for Rogers, who ended a 12-game scoring drought for club and country. The second half was a one-sided affair, with Ezri Konsa capping off the victory with a late goal. Aston Villa's starting lineup featured Emi Martinez, who returned after being rested, while Bologna's team included Scotland's Lewis Ferguson and England U21 international Jonathan Rowe. The semi-final against Nottingham Forest will be the first all-English semi-final in a European competition since 2009. Watkins, who has now scored four goals in four games, expressed his excitement about reaching the milestone of 100 goals and looks forward to the semi-final. Aston Villa captain John McGinn praised the team's performance, while manager Unai Emery emphasized the importance of the semi-final and the possibility of reaching the final. Bologna head coach Vincenzo Italiano acknowledged Aston Villa's strength and admitted that his team was unlucky to face them in the quarter-finals.