Aston Villa severely punishes Bologna, there will be fire at the City Ground

Aston Villa took a big step towards the Europa League semi-finals in Italy.

One of the favorites for the trophy beat Bologna at the "Dal'Ara", it was 3:1, with major mistakes from the opponent's defense.

First, in the 44th minute, Ezri Konsa scored after a desperate reaction from goalkeeper Federico Ravalja, and then in the second half, when Norwegian defender Torbjern Hegem lost the ball.

Oli Watkins did not take advantage of that gift, so the "Lions" had a big advantage from the 51st minute.

Bologna, which eliminated Roma in the previous round, did not give up and in the 90th minute reduced the deficit through Jonathan Rowe, but in the fourth minute of stoppage time Watkins once again scored for the Italians.

Freiburg has a big advantage before the second leg.

They outclassed Celta at home (3:0) and by all accounts - the Spaniards need a miracle in the second leg to get back into this doubleheader.

Vincenzo Grifo, Jan-Niklas Beste and Matthias Günter scored for the German team.

There was no winner in Porto in the duel between the "Dragons" and Nottingham Forest - 1:1, a result that guarantees great excitement on the Island in seven days.

Porto took the lead in the 11th minute with a goal from William Gomes, the final score was set in the 13th minute when young defender Martim Fernandes scored an own goal.

In the Europa League last night, Braga and Betis drew (1:1), and the first matches of the Conference League quarterfinals were also played.

And the semi-finalists are in sight.

Crystal Palace easily defeated Fiorentina (3:0) at Selhurst Park, Shakhtar beat AZ Alkmaar by the same score, as did Rayo Vallecano beat AEK.

Not so convincing, but good enough, was Mainz's triumph against Strasbourg - 2:0.