Aston Villa secured their first European final appearance in 44 years with a commanding 4-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Europa League semi-finals. Unai Emery’s side successfully overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit, advancing 4-1 on aggregate to set up a final showdown against German side Freiburg in Istanbul on May 20. Freiburg earned their place in the showpiece by defeating Braga 4-3 on aggregate.
The match at Villa Park was attended by Prince William, who joined the home supporters to witness the club’s pursuit of its first major trophy since the 1996 League Cup. Villa are now aiming for their first major continental honor since their iconic 1982 European Cup victory over Bayern Munich. For Unai Emery, this marks his sixth Europa League final, having previously won the competition four times and finished as a runner-up once.
Villa’s path to the final comes after a period of significant revitalization under Emery, who took charge in 2022 when the club was hovering near the relegation zone. While the team remains in contention for a Champions League spot through their fifth-place Premier League standing, winning the Europa League offers an additional route to Europe’s elite competition. The club is eager to move past their reputation as “nearly men” following recent semi-final exits in the UEFA Conference League and the FA Cup.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, saw their hopes of reaching a first European final since 1980 extinguished, extending their 36-year trophy drought. Forest arrived at the match unbeaten in 10 games, whereas Villa had lost their previous three, including a disappointing home defeat to Tottenham. Forest’s challenge was hampered by the absence of playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, who was only fit for the bench following a facial injury.
The hosts dominated the proceedings early on, with Pau Torres forcing a save from Stefan Ortega before the goalkeeper also denied Emiliano Buendia. The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute when Ollie Watkins scored despite suffering a head injury moments earlier. Watkins, who had been treated for a clash with Morato, finished from close range following a clever run by Buendia that dismantled the Forest defense.
Villa maintained their intensity after the break, doubling their lead in the 58th minute. A VAR review confirmed a penalty after Nikola Milenkovic pulled Torres’ shirt, allowing Buendia to calmly convert from the spot. Although Chris Wood threatened for Forest, he was denied by a crucial save from Emiliano Martinez.
Captain John McGinn sealed the victory with two late goals. In the 77th minute, he latched onto a flick from Watkins to curl a finish into the far corner. Three minutes later, McGinn struck again, firing low past Ortega at the near post to complete the 4-0 rout. Villa now prepare for a final against a Freiburg side currently sitting seventh in the Bundesliga.
Fittingly, it was a late double from skipper and fan favourite John McGinn that finished off Forest to cap Villa’s second leg masterclass.
Leading the celebrations at Villa Park was noted fan Prince William, who sat among the jubilant claret and blue hordes in the stands.
In their first final since losing to Manchester City in the 2020 League Cup, Villa will be firm favourites against unheralded Freiburg, who are seventh in the Bundesliga.
Emery has proved an inspired appointment, the Spaniard having revitalised Villa since taking over when they were languishing three points above the relegation zone in 2022.
Fifth-placed Villa remain on course to qualify for next season’s Champions League via a top-five finish in the Premier League, but they now have the option of making it via winning the Europa League as well.
Beaten in the semi-finals by Olympiakos in the 2023/2024 UEFA Conference League and then Crystal Palace in the FA Cup last season, Villa are one win away from shedding their tag as ‘nearly men’ who fall short on the big occasion.
It was a painful end to Forest’s bid to reach a European final for the first time since 1980, leaving them still waiting to end their 36-year trophy drought.
