Aston Villa take giant step toward Europa League semi-finals with win against Bologna

Aston Villa take giant step toward Europa League semi-finals with win against Bologna

Aston Villa moved a step closer to the Europa League semi-finals after securing a 3-1 victory over Bologna in the first leg of their quarter-final tie in Italy.

The result gives Villa a two-goal advantage ahead of the second leg at Villa Park.

Ollie Watkins scored twice for the visitors, while Ezri Konsa also found the net in a clinical performance from Unai Emery’s side.

Bologna began the match strongly and created several early chances at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

The hosts thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Santiago Castro turned in a cross after a move started by Jonathan Rowe.

However, the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for offside.

Bologna continued to press and came close again shortly afterwards.

Captain Lewis Ferguson struck the crossbar after connecting with another dangerous delivery from Rowe.

Despite struggling to establish control in the opening stages, Aston Villa eventually punished the hosts late in the first half.

Konsa opened the scoring in the 44th minute by heading home from a corner delivered by Youri Tielemans.

Bologna goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia misjudged the flight of the ball, allowing Konsa to finish from close range.

Villa doubled their advantage early in the second half through Watkins.

The England forward capitalised on a defensive mistake before calmly finishing through Ravaglia’s legs.

That goal gave the visitors greater control of the contest as they looked to manage the remainder of the tie.

Bologna continued to search for a response and eventually pulled a goal back late in the match.

Rowe cut inside from the left flank before curling an excellent effort beyond Emiliano Martinez in the 90th minute.

The strike briefly revived the home side’s hopes heading into the return leg.

However, Villa restored their two-goal cushion almost immediately.

Watkins scored his second goal of the evening in stoppage time after reacting quickest from a corner.

The late goal ensured Aston Villa left Italy with a commanding advantage.

Villa now head into the second leg at home knowing they are well placed to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Bologna will need a significant turnaround in the return fixture if they are to keep their European hopes alive.