Aston Villa decisively ended Bologna’s Europa League aspirations with a resounding 4-0 defeat in the second leg of their quarter-final tie. This result cemented a commanding 7-1 aggregate victory for Aston Villa.
Bologna faced an uphill battle from the outset, having lost the first leg 3-1 at home. Their Europa League campaign this season was marked by defeats solely against Aston Villa, who had previously secured a 1-0 win in their initial league phase encounter on September 25.
Bologna’s squad was hampered by injuries to Lukasz Skorupski, Thijs Dallinga, and Benjamin Dominguez, along with the suspension of Jhon Lucumi. However, Martin Vitik was available after serving his ban. Aston Villa also had notable absences, with Boubacar Kamara, Ross Barkley, and Alysson out injured, while Emiliano Martinez, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrone Mings were not at full fitness.
Within the first 16 minutes of play in Birmingham, Aston Villa extended their aggregate lead to 4-1. A fluid team move saw Morgan Rogers deliver a cross from the left, allowing Ollie Watkins to easily tap the ball in from close range.
Federico Bernardeschi tested Emiliano Martinez with a long-range effort, but a VAR review identified a handball by Martin Vitik from a cross. Aston Villa was subsequently awarded a penalty.
Although Federico Ravaglia managed to save Morgan Rogers’ penalty, Bologna conceded a second goal shortly after. During a throw-in, Emiliano Buendía found the net from a tight angle at the near post.
Santiago Castro was unable to connect with a cross to the back post, highlighting Bologna’s lack of clinical finishing compared to Aston Villa’s efficiency.
Aston Villa further increased their lead to 3-0. A long ball from Martinez was controlled, and John McGinn set up Morgan Rogers, who again beat Ravaglia at the near post.
Bologna’s coach, Vincenzo Italiano, made three substitutions at halftime. Riccardo Orsolini’s shot was deflected wide, and Martinez subsequently saved Nikola Moro’s attempt.
Ravaglia denied Aston Villa a fourth goal by saving Lucas Digne’s shot at the near post. However, Digne played a crucial role at the other end, preventing Orsolini from tapping in a close-range assist from Simon Sohm.
Juan Miranda blocked a strike from Leon Bailey, and from the resulting corner, Aston Villa sealed their dominant victory. The ball deflected into the air, allowing Ezri Konsa to score with a spectacular acrobatic volley from five yards.
Aston Villa 4-0 Bologna (7-1 agg)
Goals: Watkins 16′ (A), Buendía 26′ (A), Rogers 39′ (A), Konsa 89′ (A)
Missed Penalty: Rogers 25′ (A)