Aston Villa's Europa League ambitions take them to Italy, to face a Bologna side who have already thwarted one of the favourites of the competition in AS Roma in the previous round.
Bologna finished 10th in the Europa League standings and have made their progression to the last eight of this competition with aggregate victories against SK Brann (2-0) and AS Roma (5-4). The Italian hosts are heading into this first leg, trying to press home advantage; their form at home as of late has been less than adequate. Bologna are without a home win in their last three matches, with two defeats against Lazio (0-2) and Hellas Verona (1-2). The Red and Blues have picked up only two wins at home in 2026. Defensively, the home side have been suspect, with no clean sheets in their last three matches and their attack has been faltering, failing to score in 40% of their home matches this campaign.
Aston Villa are coming into this game with three wins in their last five competitive matches, with victories against West Ham United (2-0) and Lille (2-0) before the international break. The Villains progressed through to the last eight of the Europa League by finishing inside the top eight of the league phase and then following up with a 3-0 aggregate victory against Ligue 1 outfit Lille. Unai Emery's side are unbeaten in this competition this season, whilst scoring at least two goals per game in each away fixture and only conceding 0.6 goals away from home in the Europa League.
Bologna's home form has not been great by any means and we are backing Aston Villa for a victory here. Emiliano Buendia has made his presence in this competition, as the Argentinian midfielder has provided four goal contributions in the Europa League this season.
Bologna 0-2 Aston Villa
