Match preview

Aston Villa approached the first leg with their usual calm and efficiency — no unnecessary risks, just clinical use of their chances. The 3-1 win in Italy not only gave them a solid advantage but also boosted their confidence, a situation in which Unai Emery’s teams typically thrive.

At Villa Park, the hosts are known for controlling games in Europe and rarely allow opponents to dictate the tempo. Their recent 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest suggested a team already mentally focused on this decisive European fixture.

Bologna, meanwhile, weren’t outplayed in the first leg and at times looked sharp going forward. However, against a disciplined and experienced opponent, small defensive errors proved costly, turning a competitive display into a 1-3 defeat.

They did respond with a 2-0 win over Lecce in Serie A, which should help restore belief ahead of the trip to England. Still, the challenge is clear: Bologna must attack and take risks to overturn the deficit — a strategy that could leave them vulnerable at the back against a well-organized Villa side.

Probable lineups

Aston Villa: Bizot, Digne, Torres, Konsa, Cash, Tielemans, Onana, Buendía, Rogers, McGinn, Watkins

Bologna: Ravaglia, Mario, Casale, Heggem, Miranda, Ferguson, Freuler, Pobega, Bernardeschi, Castro, Rowe

Match facts and head-to-head

Aston Villa have won all three previous meetings with Bologna.

The first leg ended 3-1 in favor of the English side.

Villa drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest before this match, while Bologna beat Lecce 2-0.

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