Rivals will face each other over two legs for a place in next month’s final.
Unai Emery declared Villa facing Nottingham Forest in a Europa League semi-final a “special” moment for both clubs.
The Midlands rivals and former European Cup winners will face off after both came through quarter-finals on Thursday night, with Villa demolishing Bologna 7-1 on aggregate and Forest edging past Porto 2-1.
Forest will host the first leg on April 30, with the return leg at Villa Park on May 7.
Emery, a four-time winner of the Europa League, is targeting a sixth final appearance.
Asked about the prospect of facing Forest, with whom Villa drew 1-1 last weekend in the Premier League, he said: “It is important for both teams. We have something similar.
“Those clubs won the Champions League, two times Nottingham Forest and Villa as well.
“Of course, we have Europe in the highest moments in our history. Now to play in a semi-final is very important for us.
“It is going to be a very good tie for both teams, for the supporters. We are trying to enjoy every moment, with our supporters.
“Now we are going to do with Nottingham the same. It will be something special for both teams because we are playing for a final.
“I know how difficult it is to beat teams when you are playing in a semi-final, for the motivation and excitement everyone is feeling.”
Villa were rampant as they brushed aside Bologna, Ollie Watkins sparking the rout when he scored his 100th goal for the club.
Emi Buendia, Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa were also on the scoresheet in a 4-0 second leg win.
“We enjoyed it here with the supporters,” said Emery. “We extended the gameplan we did there.
“We did a serious match and are so, so happy how we are performing in this competition, wishing to do something.
“We are in a semi-final, but there is still work to do. Strongly we are focusing in the way we are in.”
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