Aston Villa Dominates Bologna, Sets Up European Semi-Final Against Nottingham Forest

Aston Villa secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Bologna at Villa Park, completing a 7-1 aggregate win in the Europa League quarter-final and advancing to the semi-final against Nottingham Forest. The match saw Ollie Watkins score his 100th goal for Aston Villa, with Emiliano Buendia and Morgan Rogers also finding the net. This win sets up the first all-English semi-final in a European competition since 2009, with the first leg scheduled for April 30 at the City Ground and the return leg at Villa Park on May 7. Unai Emery's side is now closer to their best form, overwhelming the Italian opposition from the start and justifying their status as favorites. The team's confidence received a significant boost, particularly for Rogers, who ended a 12-game scoring drought. Aston Villa's pursuit of Champions League qualification through the Premier League remains on track, with a seven-point lead over sixth-placed Chelsea. However, Emery is focused on winning the Europa League for the fifth time, with Forest now standing in their way. The semi-final matchup holds historical significance, marking the first all-English semi-final in this competition since Liverpool faced Tottenham in 1973.