Aston Villa defeated Bologna that night at Villa Park, winning 4-0 and winning 7-1 on aggregate in the Europa League quarter-finals, advancing to the semi-finals against Nottingham Forest.
Ollie Watkins stopped a complicated early team move to score his 100th goal for Aston Villa, and although Morgan Rodgers’ penalty was saved, Emiliano Buendia added a second within 46 seconds of the spot-kick, and Rodgers made amends before half-time.
It was a big moment for Rodgers. Not only after the penalty, but also because it ended a run of 12 consecutive games without a goal for club and country. It was a confidence-boosting night, with a big second half, capped off by Ezri Konsa’s late goal.
Morgan Rodgers celebrates Aston Villa trifecta against Bologna
Europa League specialist Unai Emery has seen his teams advance in this competition in the past, but this time his side came close to the best and dominated their Italian opponents from the start. In this form, they justify their status as favorites.
They are seven points behind Chelsea, who are in sixth place in the Premier League, and it seems likely that they will qualify for the Champions League through this route. However, Emery wants to go out as the Europa League winner for the fifth time. The forest stands in the way of advancing to the top four.
Tonup Watkins returns to Villa song
Ollie Watkins celebrates after scoring Aston Villa’s opening goal against Bologna
Watkins has not reached the same heights this season and there was growing opinion that Tammy Abraham deserved to be at Villa’s top flight ahead of him. However, the 30-year-old England international, who was left out by manager Thomas Tuchel, felt a positive response.
He scored in the win over West Ham before the international break and then scored a double in the first leg against Bologna, ending any hopes of an Italian return at Villa Park. Watkins now has four goals in four games. Return to form.
Watkins: “We’re playing our best soccer”
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins speaks to TNT Sports about his 100th goal.
“This is a milestone that every striker wants to achieve. 100 Premier League goals is next. That’s what I’m focused on.”
“It’s an exciting time for me personally and for the team. Everyone is fit and playing their best football.
“We have everything to play for. If someone had told me we would play in the Champions League and the semi-finals of the European Cup, I would have bitten their hand off!”
And a message from Watkins to Tuchel…
When asked what he had to do to be recalled to the England squad, Watkins replied: “Just keep scoring goals!”
He added: “That’s all I can do. I was disappointed not to be in my previous team, but I understand his reasons.”
“I’ll have to tell my story on the pitch.”
McGinn praises great performance
Aston Villa captain John McGinn told TNT Sports:
“It was a great performance and we needed to get that first-half performance. With the first goal and a great first half, we can move on to the semi-finals. I’m really happy.”
“We have a big game on Sunday and our goal is to finish in the top five, but we are happy to have made it to the semi-finals.”
Emery excited to face Forest
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery said this at a press conference.
“It’s important for both teams and we have something similar. Those clubs have won the Champions League. Nottingham Forest have won it twice, but I think that moment is the European Cup. And Aston Villa have also won this competition.”
“Playing in the semi-final is very important for us and for them. It will be a very good semi-final for both teams and for the supporters.
“There’s a chance we’ll be in the finals. And I know how hard it is to play in the semifinals and how hard it is to beat a team when you’re playing in the semifinals.”
Italiano: a villa one step ahead
Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano said this at a press conference.
“Obviously it was difficult for us because we spoiled this draw in the first leg and the 3-1 result was heavy.
“Today we wanted to play a real game and cause them trouble, but they took advantage of every opportunity and scored with every shot.
“They are stronger and one step ahead. Any mistake will be punished. We knew they would be different at home. This was a difficult game.”
“They missed out on the Champions League by one point. They are a very valuable team. People have been saying from day one that they are the team to take home the trophy. We were unlucky to play them in the quarter-finals.”
