Ezri Konsa scored first, followed by Ollie Watkins netting twice, leading Aston Villa to a 3-1 victory over Bologna in the Europa League quarterfinal. This win, the club’s eighth consecutive in the Europa League, also marked their first UEFA victory in Italy since 1994.
Bologna, on an 11-match unbeaten Europa League streak, had several close chances, with Emiliano Martínez making crucial saves. However, it was Konsa’s header from a Youri Tielemans corner that broke the deadlock just before halftime, giving Villa the lead.
Watkins extended Villa’s lead with a composed finish after intercepting a pass from Emiliano Buendía. Despite Bologna’s efforts, including hitting the post and forcing saves from Martínez, Watkins sealed the win with his second goal in added time.
Aston Villa’s head coach, Unai Emery, praised the team’s performance, highlighting the importance of set pieces and urging caution ahead of the second leg against Bologna.
