Aston Villa’s impressive home form in major European competitions continues, with the Villains having won 15 of their last 17 such matches. Their last eight home games have all ended in victory. Villa have also kept five consecutive home clean sheets against Italian clubs. The last player to score at Villa Park for an Italian team was Zbigniew Boniek in a 2-1 Juventus win back in March 1983.
Bologna’s Struggles in England
Bologna’s away record in England makes for grim reading. Since beating West Brom 3-1 at the Hawthorns in March 1967, they have lost all five of their away visits to England in European competition. These defeats include losses to Leeds, Fulham, Liverpool, and Aston Villa twice.
Bologna lost the first leg against Aston Villa 3-1. They have now conceded three goals in two consecutive UEFA Europa League matches. Historically, only one of the 67 teams to lose the first leg of a two-legged knockout tie in the competition by 2+ goals at home has progressed. Sevilla managed this against Real Betis in the 2013-14 round of 16, winning on penalties after an away win.
Watkins Chasing Villa Record
Ollie Watkins is on the verge of a club record. He has scored nine goals in major European competition for Aston Villa. He could be the first player to reach 10 goals for the club, equalling John McGinn and Peter Withe. He could also become only the second Villan to score in three consecutive European starts after John McGinn.
Rowe’s Dribbling Prowess
Bologna’s Jonathan Rowe has been a threat in the Europa League knockout stages. He has recorded the most ball carries of 5+ metres ending in a shot (8, with 2 goals). Rowe has also attempted the most dribbles (23) and completed the most (11) of any player in the competition.
Villa’s Dominance in Europa League
Aston Villa have enjoyed a stellar run in the UEFA Europa League this season. They have won 10 of their first 11 games. Only Chelsea in 2018-19 and Villarreal in 2020-21 have matched that feat in a campaign, and both went on to win the tournament.
- Aston Villa have won 15 of their last 17 home major European matches.
- Since losing 1-0 at Aston Villa this season, Bologna have won all five of their away matches in the UEFA Europa League.
- Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Bologna will need to make history if they are to progress. Only Hamburger SV in 2008-09 and FC Porto in 2010-11 have ever won six away games in a single UEFA Cup/ Europa League season.