The UEFA Europa League quarterfinals are heating up after an exciting first leg week, with English clubs Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest both still very much in contention for a place in the semifinals.
Bologna 1-3 Aston Villa
Aston Villa produced a superb performance in Italy, defeating Bologna 3-1 in the quarterfinal first leg. An injury-time goal from Ollie Watkins sealed a commanding advantage for Unai Emery’s side. Villa, who qualified for the Champions League via the Premier League last season, continue to punch well above their weight in European competition and are now heavy favourites to advance to the last four.
Porto 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest were held to a 1-1 draw by Porto in the Portuguese city, setting up a fascinating second leg at the City Ground on April 16. Forest, who returned to European football for the first time in 30 years this season, will be confident of progressing at home after the positive result in Portugal. Porto, making their first European quarterfinal since 2014, will fancy their chances of causing an upset on Trentside.
Other QF First Leg Results:
- Braga 1-1 Real Betis — Tied heading into the second leg
- Freiburg 3-0 Celta Vigo — Freiburg in strong command
The second legs of all four Europa League quarterfinals take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
