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| UEFA.com |
The stage for the UEFA Europa League semi-finals is officially set following a dramatic night of quarter-final action that leaves two English Premier League sides on a collision course for the final in Istanbul. Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest secured their progression on Thursday night, ensuring at least one English representative will compete for the trophy at Beşiktaş Park on 20 May.
In a landmark result for the West Midlands club, Aston Villa dismantled Bologna with a 4-0 second-leg victory at Villa Park, completing a 7-1 aggregate rout. Unai Emery’s side showed why they are considered tournament favourites, ruthlessly exploiting defensive gaps to reach their first major European semi-final in decades. The Birmingham outfit will now prepare for a domestic rivalry on the continental stage as they face Nottingham Forest.
Forest secured their spot in the final four after a tense 1-0 win over Porto at the City Ground, edging the tie 2-1 on aggregate. The victory marks a significant milestone for the East Midlands club, who have undergone a remarkable resurgence in European competition this season. Nuno Espírito Santo praised the resilience of his squad, noting that the atmosphere at the City Ground played a pivotal role in overcoming the Portuguese giants.
The other side of the bracket features a compelling clash between Portuguese side Braga and Germany’s SC Freiburg. Braga advanced following a 5-3 aggregate win over Real Betis, while Freiburg clinical finishing saw them sweep aside Celta Vigo 6-1 across two legs. The first legs for both semi-final ties are scheduled for Thursday, 30 April, with the return fixtures taking place on 7 May.