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Watkins double inspires Villa victory at Bologna while Forest battle to Porto draw
- On Thursday, April 9, 2026, Aston Villa claimed a 3-1 victory over Bologna in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final, with striker Ollie Watkins scoring twice.
- Manager Unai Emery utilized a compact mid-block to frustrate Bologna, successfully outmaneuvering Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano by exposing the hosts' high defensive line.
- Ezri Konsa headed the opener, while Watkins doubled the advantage in the 51st minute after capitalizing on an error by Bologna defender Torbjorn Heggem; Jonathan Rowe later squeezed in a goal for the hosts.
- Watkins' second goal arrived deep in stoppage time, restoring a two-goal cushion for Villa ahead of the return leg and cementing the club's status as genuine trophy contenders.
- Elsewhere in the quarter-finals, SC Freiburg defeated Celta Vigo 3-0 and Nottingham Forest drew 1-1 at Porto, with all return legs scheduled for next Thursday.
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UEFA Europa League 2025-26 Quarter-Final 1st Leg Wrap: Aston Villa Beat Bologna, Nottingham Forest Held By FC Porto
Villa has reached the last eight in Europe for the third straight year and is fourth in the Premier League, on course to qualify for the Champions League next season
·New Delhi, India
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LancasterOnlineReposted by 
Independent Español
Independent EspañolOllie Watkins scored twice and Aston Villa beat Bologna 3-1 on Thursday to move one step closer to the Europa League semi-finals, thanks to their eighth consecutive victory in the competition.
·Lancaster, United States
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Total News Sources56
Leaning Left10Leaning Right4Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution44% Left
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources lean Left
44% Left
L 44%
C 39%
R 17%
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