Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Thu 9 April 2026 22:05, UK Updated Thu 9 April 2026 22:22, UK

Aston Villa had Youri Tielemans to thank on their way to a 3-1 victory away at Bologna on Thursday.

The Belgium international made his first start for the Villans after his lengthy injury lay off in the Europa League at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

He certainly had the desired impact on the night as Unai Emery‘s side were able to see out an excellent away win on the continent to bring home.

Despite a shocking first half, Ezri Konsa gave the B6 outfit the lead before Ollie Watkins added to the tally to take a two-goal advantage back to Villa Park.

Villa can be proud of their work against Bologna, with Tielemans unsurprisingly playing a key role as he caught the eye of Owen Hargreaves.

Youri Tielemans the beneficiary of Bologna howler

Things weren’t always easy away to the Serie A side as they largely had the better of the ball and chances throughout the 90 minutes.

Villa were able to utilise their nous on the European stage to weather the storm and take their chances when they came.

Watkins’ strike came about after some superb work from Emi Buendia to press and win possession off former West Brom man Torbjorn Heggem.

The same can’t be said of Konsa’s header, as Bologna keeper Federico Ravaglia came to claim a corner, but missed the ball and allowed the defender to head into an open goal.

Hargreaves couldn’t believe the error on TNT Sports, but was quick to also praise the work of Tielemans as he grabbed an assist.

He said: “As good as Villa are with set-pieces, the keeper has a nightmare. It’s a brilliant ball in [from Tielemans] and Konsa’s in at the far post.”

Having Tielemans back is massive for Villa, and he proved exactly why throughout a tough 90 minutes at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

How did Tielemans perform for Aston Villa vs Bologna?

It is clear how big a miss the Belgian was for Emery’s men, as results and performances spiralled in the Midlands without him.

He proved exactly how good he is away to Bologna, grabbing two assists with two terrific corner deliveries while also chipping in defensively.

Tielemans created three big chances on the night as he completed 39 passes with a 81 per cent pass accuracy.

That would be positive in its own right, but he also added one tackle, two blocks and two interceptions, while also winning three duels.

The numbers only add to the story, as he was also a joy to watch as Villa gave themselves the perfect advantage in the Europa League quarter-finals.