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UEFA Europa League: Aston Villa vs Bologna
Kickoff Time: 2026-4-17 3:00 (HKT)
Aston Villa drew 1-1 away at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League last weekend. The team has collected three wins and one draw in their last four matches, showing excellent form. In the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final, Aston Villa comfortably beat Bologna 3-1 away from home. Taking a two-goal advantage into the second leg, they are in a strong position to advance. This season, Aston Villa have displayed dominant performances in the Europa League. Unai Emery’s side have now won eight consecutive Europa League games. Tactically, Aston Villa tend to build possession from the back to lure opponents into high pressing, then exploit the space behind the defensive line with precise long passes. Meanwhile, forward star Ollie Watkins has maintained consistent output as the team’s top scorer. His hold-up play, finishing ability and pace on the counter-attack pose a huge threat to opposing defences.
Bologna beat Lecce 2-0 at home in Serie A last weekend. The team has recorded two wins, one draw and two defeats in their past five games, with inconsistent performances. In the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final, Bologna lost 3-1 at home to Aston Villa and are on the verge of elimination. Looking back at the first leg, Bologna attempted to control the tempo with possession-based football but lacked genuine threatening attacks despite enjoying plenty of the ball, with a shot conversion rate of only 21%. As players’ fitness declined, Bologna’s defence gradually opened up, and they were eventually undone by Aston Villa’s sharp counter-attacks. Bologna are clearly inferior to Emery’s Aston Villa in tactical organisation and Europa League experience.
There is no doubt that Aston Villa possess superior overall quality compared to Bologna and are in more stable and impressive form. Furthermore, Emery is known as the “King of the Europa League”, and his rich European experience and excellent tactical adjustments represent a major advantage for Aston Villa. All things considered, Aston Villa, with home advantage in the second leg, will be hopeful of securing another positive result.
Aston Villa’s Last 5 Games: DWWWL
26-04-12 Nottingham Forest 1-1 Aston Villa
26-04-10 Bologna 1-3 Aston Villa
26-03-22 Aston Villa 2-0 West Ham
26-03-20 Aston Villa 2-0 Lille
26-03-15 Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa
Bologna‘s Last 5 Games: WLWLD
26-04-13 Bologna 2-0 Lecce
26-04-10 Bologna 1-3 Aston Villa
26-04-05 Cremonese 1-2 Bologna
26-03-22 Bologna 0-2 Lazio
26-03-20 Roma 3-3 Bologna (AET 0-1)
Head-To-Head Record
26-04-10 Bologna 1-3 Aston Villa
25-09-26 Aston Villa 1-0 Bologna
24-10-23 Aston Villa 2-0 Bologna
Prediction: Aston Villa to win at home