Aston Villa are through to their first European final in 44 years after they thrashed Nottingham Forest 4-0 in the all-English Europa League semi-final to advance 4-1 on aggregate. Boss Unai Emery is now one win away from a fifth title in a competition he specialises in and only Bundesliga outfit Freiburg stand between Villa and their first major trophy in 30 years.
Read more
Chris Wood’s second-half penalty gave Nottingham Forest the advantage in their all-English Europa League semi-final with Aston Villa. The New Zealand striker emphatically converted from 12 yards to put Forest just 90 minutes away from a first European final in 46 years as they took a 1-0 first-leg lead. But they will know there is still work to do if they want to try and follow in the footsteps of Brian Clough’s side which won back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980.
Read more
Bayer Leverkusen set a new European unbeaten record of 49 successive games in securing a late draw with Roma to reach the Europa League final. Josip Stanisic scored with the last kick of the game in the 97th minute to earn Xabi Alonso’s side a 2-2 draw on the night and a 4-2 aggregate victory. Roma drew level in the tie through two Leandro Paredes penalties but were stunned by yet another late Leverkusen comeback.
Read more
Ademola Lookman scored as Atalanta sealed their place in the Europa League final with a 4-1 aggregate win over Marseille at the Gewiss Stadium. The former Everton and Fulham winger scored on the half-hour mark when his deflected strike drifted beyond visiting keeper Pau Lopez into the bottom corner.
Read more
It was honours even at the Stade Velodrome as Marseille – via a fantastic equaliser from Chancel Mbemba – recovered from going a goal down to secure a draw from their UEFA Europa League first leg tie with Liverpool’s conquerors Atalanta. Gianluca Scamacca who had given the visitors the lead with a fine drilled finish.
Read more