Aston Villa cruise into semi-finals after putting four past Bologna | OneFootball

Aston Villa put in a professional performance to book their place in the UEFA Europa League semi-final eventually defeating Bologna 7-1 on aggregate.

Unai Emery's side had done most of the work last time without a 3-1 victory in Italy despite the Bologna threatening several times that day.

Any potential nerves over that one goal that Bologna pulled back were quickly gone as Villa took the lead in the 16th minute. The opening goal came from a fantastic, flowing move as the home team eased the ball around the pitch before Morgan Rogers set up Ollie Watkins to convert.

Villa had the chance to make it 2-0 on the night from the penalty spot but Rogers was denied by a fantastic stop from Federico Ravaglia. However, from the resulting throw-in, Bologna seemed to switch off completely with Emiliano Buendía being allowed to sneak in behind and finish.

By the 39th minute it was all over. This time Rogers did get his goal with the England man receiving the ball from John McGinn before firing low past the goalkeeper to make it 3-0 on the night and 6-1 on aggregate.

From that point on all Villa had to do was coast in the second half to ensure their progression.

The visitors tried to get back into the game and at least give travelling supporters something to cheer but couldn't find a way through.

Instead, it was Villa who added to their tally as Ezri Konsa popped up with the finish of a veteran striker on the turn following a corner to make it 4-0 on the night and 7-1 on aggregate.

The Villans will now face Nottingham Forest in an all-Premier League semi-final.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

Aston Villa leads Bologna 1-0. Ollie Watkins scores with a right-footed shot from a few meters to the center of the goal, assisted by Morgan Rogers.

16':

GOAL Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) scores!

Ollie Watkins scores goal number 4 in the competition (12 matches)

25':

Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) fails a penalty-kick!

Aston Villa leads 2-0 against Bologna. Emiliano Buendía scores with a right-footed shot from a difficult position on the left into the left corner, assisted by Lucas Digne.

26':

GOAL Aston Villa: Emiliano Buendía (Aston Villa) scores!

Emiliano Buendía scores goal number 2 in the competition (12 matches)

Morgan Rogers scores for Aston Villa with a left-footed shot from the left side of the box. The score is now Aston Villa 3, Bologna 0.

39':

GOAL Aston Villa: Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) scores!

Morgan Rogers scores goal number 2 in the competition (12 matches)

89':

GOAL Aston Villa: Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa) scores!

Ezri Konsa scores goal number 2 in the competition (9 matches)

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match