Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Thu 9 April 2026 21:56, UK

Aston Villa sealed a massive 3-1 win away to Bologna on Thursday.

The Villans travelled to Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals and secured victory.

Another leg at Villa Park awaits, but Ezri Konsa’s header and an Ollie Watkins double will certainly make things easier back in B6.

The hosts certainly had the better of the chances on the whole, but it was Unai Emery’s side who were able to capitalise on their opportunities.

Villa will be delighted with a win over Bologna, as Villa News now ranks each player’s performance out of 10.

Ollie Watkins the difference vs Bologna

There has been plenty of criticism aimed at the England international recently, and rightly so, but he managed to prove himself on the continent.

His strike was excellent as he gave keeper Federico Ravaglia the eyes before sticking it through his legs to give Villa a 2-0 lead against the run of play overall.

That capped off a selfless performance in Italy as he racked up just one shot on goal, but was able to create two chances with his 15 passes.

He chipped in with two defensive actions and won five duels to make sure his side defended from the front to great effect.

That was all made better by his late, late second goal to seal a massive 3-1 win.

Watkins had a point to prove against Bologna and did exactly that with a superb number nine performance away from home.

Emi Buendia deserves his flowers at Aston Villa

It is a similar story for the number 10 as Watkins, with both facing their fair share of negative reviews in recent weeks and months.

He dispelled those with a dominant second-half performance against Bologna as he grabbed an assist for the all-important second goal.

The 29-year-old’s pressing was excellent and ultimately afforded his English teammate a chance to make it 2-0.

That added to his eight successful duels and six defensive actions, with three tackles, one block and two clearances on the night.

He also completed 72 per cent of his attempted passes and got two shots off, but was unlucky not to score.

Buendia’s second-half showing was imperative, and he can be pleased with his work on a difficult outing on the continent.

Aston Villa player ratings vs Bologna

Emi Martinez – 7

Matty Cash – 4

Ezri Konsa – 6

Pau Torres – 5

Lucas Digne – 5

Amadou Onana – 6

Youri Tielemans – 7

Morgan Rogers – 6

John McGinn – 6

Emi Buendia – 9

Ollie Watkins – 8

Substitutes

Lamare Bogarde – N/A

Ian Maatsen – N/A

Leon Bailey – 2