
UEFA Europa League
7:00 p.mApril 9, 2026
Quarter finals

bologna1 – 3
VAT:(0-1)
Added:(1-4)

Aston Villa*Renato Dall’Ara
Referee: Sandro Schärer, Switzerland


bologna


Aston Villa
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.90
Expected Goals (xG)
1.64
Passing by
438 (90%)
Accurate passes
284 (79%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
13
G
Federico Ravaglia
5.2
33
d
Juan Miranda
6.5
d
John Lucumí
14
d
Torbjørn Heggem
5.9
17
d
Joao Mario
5.9
m
Tommaso escapes
8
m
Remo Freuler
6.6
19
m
Lewis Ferguson (C)
6.0
F
Jonathan Rowe
90′
9
F
Santiago Castro
6.7
10
F
Federico Bernardeschi
6.9
Substitutes
9
m
Harvey Elliott
5
d
Tyrone Mings
21
m
Douglas Luiz
40
G
Marco Bizot
3
d
Victor Lindelöf
64
G
James Wright
18
F
Tammy Abraham
16
d
Andres Garcia
F
Leon Bailey
d
Ian Maatsen
m
Lamare Bogarde

UEFA Europa League Ranking – UEFA Europa League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Europa League (Play Off: Round of 16)
- Promotion – Europa League (Play Off: 1/16 final)
Aston Villa secured a 3-1 win over Bologna in the UEFA Europa League, with Ollie Watkins’ brace proving decisive.
Aston Villa put in a clinical performance at the Renato Dall’Ara on April 9, 2026. They defeated Bologna 3-1 in a crucial UEFA Europa League group stage match. Ollie Watkins was the star, scoring twice to ensure the away side took all three points.
Aston Villa entered the match in good form, aiming to consolidate their position at the top of the group. Bologna, meanwhile, tried to ignite their European campaign after a mixed start. The atmosphere was electric as both teams looked for a vital win.
The home side started with energy, taking the lead in the opening minutes. Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi was shown a yellow card in the 14th minute. Despite their possession, Bologna struggled to create clear chances.
Aston Villa soaked up the pressure patiently, biding their time. They broke the deadlock just before the break. Ezri Konsa found the back of the net in the 44th minute, giving Villa a crucial lead.
Bologna faced a challenge at the break, needing to find a way past Villa’s organized defence. Aston Villa, with their one-goal lead, were looking to maintain control and extend their lead. The second part promised more tactical battles.
Villa started the second period strongly, quickly adding to their tally. Ollie Watkins doubled their lead in the 51st minute. Youri Tielemans provided the assist, setting up Watkins for a composed finish.
Bologna pressed for a response, increasing their attacking efforts. T. Pobega received a yellow card in the 65th minute as frustration mounted. Emiliano Martínez made key saves to deny the locals.
The home crowd found reason to cheer when Jonathan Rowe scored for Bologna. He slotted home in the 90th minute, injecting late drama into the contest. M. Rogers de Villa had also received a yellow card in the 85th minute.
However, Villa quickly quashed any hopes of a Bologna comeback. Ollie Watkins struck again in the 90+4th minute, securing his double. This late goal wrapped up a comprehensive 3-1 win for Aston Villa.
Bologna dominated possession with 58% and had 19 shots in total, but only 4 were on target. Aston Villa were much more clinical, converting 4 shots on target into three goals. His xG of 1.64 was significantly better than Bologna’s 0.9.
This important away win consolidates Aston Villa’s strong position in the UEFA Europa League group. Bologna will need to regroup quickly after failing to capitalize on home advantage. The result provides a crucial boost for Villa going forward.

