Nottingham Forest may face Porto in the Europa League. Aston Villa could have Italian opposition in the quarter-finals if they progress.
Forest Delighted After Long Fight
Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Stefan Ortega told TNT Sports that everyone is happy and buzzing. He added that everyone is tired after a long fight. According to Ortega, the team played with unbelievable energy from minute one, and from the supporters. He noted the good feeling despite the league situation.
Ortega admitted they were lucky. He said a shootout is 50-50, but they’ll take it. He hopes this win gives them a big boost for the coming weeks and a big chance to get the three points at Tottenham on Sunday.
Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira told TNT Sports that he was very happy and they proved they came to compete. He said they have good talented players. Pereira thought the first half was fantastic and they were at a high level on a difficult pitch. He added that they kept going in the second half and scored goals that were cancelled. In the end, he said they’re happy and have to balance the players now for the weekend.
Villa Aim to Get the Job Done
Dion Dublin, on BBC Radio 5 Live at Villa Park, said there are a lot more gears for Aston Villa to go through. He questioned if the substitutes are going to be the ones to take Villa through.
Dublin noted that Lille will be very happy with the first half. He observed they have been very compact, very organised and very aggressive. He stated that it’s quiet in the stadium because the Villa fans haven’t had anything to make noise about and the fans will start to realise they have to play their part and get the players into the game.
BBC Sport’s Nick Mashiter, at Villa Park, reported that Aston Villa are closer to getting the job done and reaching the quarter finals. He added that it is not a thriller, although that will suit Unai Emery, as they just need to get through.
Potential Quarter-Final Opponents
It looks like Porto will be next for Nottingham Forest in the Europa League. They are 1-0 up at home to Stuttgart to stretch their overall lead to 3-1.
Aston Villa, if they get the job done, will have Italian opposition in the last eight. Bologna are currently heading through as they are leading 2-1 at half-time in their away tie at Roma, with it being 3-2 on aggregate to Bologna.
Palace Secure Conference League Spot
Ismaila Sarr made sure of his place in Friday morning’s headlines as his brace secured Palace’s progression to the quarter‑finals of the Conference League.
Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira stated that it’s important to win, as the energy and spirit is different when they win. He added that he has very good players and they showed everything today – team spirit and character and thanked the supporters. He said he doesn’t have any doubt that they have the quality and will compete for their targets.