Updated / Thursday, 9 Apr 2026 22:23
Ollie Watkins' second-half brace helped give **Aston Villa** a comfortable 3-1 lead over **Bologna** heading into next week's Europa League quarter-final second leg at Villa Park.
Bologna had not tasted defeat in the competition since the opening game of the campaign where Villa beat them 1-0, and Unai Emery's side proved to be their nemesis once again to end their 11-game European unbeaten run at the Renato Dall'Ara Stadium.
Bologna thought they had a lead but Santiago Castro's strike was ruled out by VAR for offside before Lewis Ferguson hit the crossbar moments later.
The Premier League side managed to hold on and punished the Italian side with goals either side of half time from Ezri Konsa and Watkins.
Bologna breathed life into the contest when Jonathan Rowe scored late in the day until Watkins' stoppage time effort restored their two-goal advantage.
**Nottingham Forest's** Europa League hopes remain intact after a comical own goal helped them get out of their quarter-final first leg in **Porto** with a 1-1 draw.
A much-changed Forest side were under the pump against the Primeira Liga leaders and fell behind to William Gomes' early strike.
But they were gifted a leveller by hapless Porto defender Martim Fernandes, who sent a 25-yard back-pass into his own net.
Nottingham Forest players celebrate after Martim Fernandes's (not pictured) own goal
Forest had a goal disallowed in the second half, but were reliant on goalkeeper Stefan Ortega making a string of important saves to ensure they head back to the City Ground for next week's second leg on level terms.
Importantly, they were able to get the result while still being able to keep a number of their important Premier League players fresh ahead of Sunday's vital clash with Aston Villa.
If Forest can get the job done on home soil next week, it looks highly likely as if Villa will be waiting for them in the semi-final.