Aston Villa delivered a statement performance at Villa Park, brushing aside Bologna with authority to secure their place in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League. After a 3-1 away win in the first leg, Unai Emery’s side left nothing to chance, producing a ruthless display in front of their home supporters.

The tone was set early. In just the 16th minute, Ollie Watkins calmly finished from close range after a precise delivery from Morgan Rogers, extending Aston Villa’s aggregate lead and effectively putting the tie beyond reach.

To their credit, Bologna attempted to respond, but fortune was not on their side. Goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia briefly lifted spirits by saving a penalty from Morgan Rogers, only for Emiliano Buendía to pounce moments later, firing home from a tight angle to double the advantage on the night.

Before the interval, Morgan Rogers made amends for his missed spot-kick, finishing confidently after a well-worked move involving John McGinn, as Aston Villa tightened their grip on the contest.

The second half brought no respite for the Italian side. Aston Villa continued to dominate, and Ezri Konsa added further gloss to the scoreline with a superb volley to make it 4-0 on the night.

2025-26, Europa League

Aston Villa - Bologna 4:0 (3:0)
Goals: Watkins, 16 (1:0); Buendia, 26 (2:0); Rogers M., 39 (3:0); Konsa, 89 (4:0)

Aston Villa: Martinez E.; Konsa; Digne; Torres Pau; Onana A. (Bogarde L., 78); Cash; McGinn J. (Bailey, 64); Tielemans (Douglas Luiz, 74); Watkins (Abraham T., 64); Buendia; Rogers M. (Sancho, 74)
Substitution: Bailey (from 64); Abraham T. (from 64); Douglas Luiz (from 74); Sancho (from 74); Bogarde L. (from 78)
Bench: Bizot; Wright J.; Lindelöf; Mings; Maatsen I.; Elliott H.; Andrés García

Bologna: Ravaglia F.; Casale (Heggem, 82); João Mário Neto (Zortea, 46); Juan Miranda; Vitík; Moro N.; Freuler (Sohm S., 46); Ferguson L.; Castro S. (Odgaard, 76); Bernardeschi (Orsolini, 46); Rowe J.
Substitution: Zortea (from 46); Sohm S. (from 46); Orsolini (from 46); Odgaard (from 76); Heggem (from 82)
Bench: Pessina; Lykogiannis; Pobega; Cambiaghi
Yellow Cards: Bernardeschi 29