UEFA Europa League
7:00 p.mMay 7, 2026
semi-finals
Aston Villa*4 – 0
VAT:(1-0)
Added:(4-1)
Nottingham ForestVilla Park
Referee: Glenn Nyberg, Sweden
Aston Villa
Nottingham Forest
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
2.50
Expected Goals (xG)
0.61
Passing by
310 (83%)
Accurate passes
287 (83%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
23
G
Emiliano Martinez
6.9
12
d
Lucas Digne
6.7
14
d
Pau Torres
7.3
4
d
Ezri Konsa
7.0
2
d
Matty Cash
6.9
8
M
Youri Tielemans
6.9
3
M
Victor Lindelöf
6.3
M
Emiliano BuendÃa
58′
36′ M
Morgan Rogers
80′ M
John McGinn (C)
77′
80′
F
Ollie Watkins
36′
77′
27
G
Stefan Ortega
6.5
3
d
Nico Williams
6.0
d
purple
18′ Stumbled
31
d
Nikola Milenkovic
6.2
d
Jairus
45+3′ Stumbled
24
M
James McAtee
6.7
8
M
Elliot Anderson
6.6
16
M
Nicolas DomÃnguez
6.2
21
M
Omari Hutchinson
6.0
19
F
Igor Jesus
6.3
11
F
Chris Wood (C)
6.3
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 demolished Nottingham Forest 4-0 at Villa Park to claim a dominant Europa League victory, with John McGinn scoring twice in the second half to seal a commanding performance.
Aston Villa produced a clinical display in the UEFA Europa League as they swept Nottingham Forest with a comprehensive 4-0 victory. The result leaves Villa top of their group with two wins from two matches, while Forest remain rooted to the bottom after picking up just one point from their opening games.
Villa struck first in the 36th minute when Ollie Watkins found the net. The striker latched on to a loose ball in the box and finished with composure to give the home side a deserved lead at the break. Nottingham Forest offered little resistance in the opening period, with their defense struggling to contain Villa’s attacking play.
Forest’s task was made more difficult when they conceded a penalty just after the hour mark. Emiliano BuendÃa stepped up in the 58th minute and calmly converted from the spot to double Villa’s lead. The Spanish midfielder’s clinical finish seemed to have settled the game.
The second half saw Villa change gears. Their midfield controlled proceedings with 51 per cent possession and 372 passes completed. Forest managed just two shots on target all game, highlighting their defensive struggles.
McGinn took center stage as Villa put the game beyond doubt. The Scotland midfielder fired in a third goal in the 77th minute, then added a fourth just three minutes later to complete a dominant display. His brace capped a powerful performance by Villa.
Villa’s offensive prowess was evident in his stats. They recorded 18 shots in total, and 10 found the target. His expected goals total of 2.5 reflects his quality of play. Forest managed just five shots in response, with just two on target.
BuendÃa became Villa’s most outstanding performer with a grade of 9.5. The midfielder scored once and provided an assist while creating four key passes. McGinn’s 8.7 rating reflected his crucial contribution with two goals from three shots on goal.
The forest offered minimal threat everywhere. They accumulated just 12 fouls and two yellow cards through Morato and Cunha. Their goalkeeper made six saves but faced a relentless onslaught from Villa’s attacking players.
Villa’s defensive solidity was equally impressive. They kept a clean sheet while limiting Forest’s chances. Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa controlled the backline effectively, allowing their team to focus on offensive play.
The win represents a perfect start to Villa’s Europa League campaign. Two wins in two matches have established them as serious contenders in the competition. Forest, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they look for their first win of the tournament.
Villa’s next challenge comes as they continue their European adventure. Forest face an uphill battle to salvage their campaign after this heavy defeat at Villa Park.
