Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Richie Mills

Fri 10 April 2026 15:10, UK

Youri Tielemans’ return to form in Aston Villa‘s Europa League win over Bologna spells good news for the rest of the season.

During Villa’s 11-match winning streak earlier this season, Tielemans was the conductor of a hugely effective midfield that included Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana, John McGinn and Emi Buendia.

However, their form took a nosedive in early 2026 as they lost McGinn, Tielemans and Kamara to injury. The latter is out for the season, while the former two are doing their best to piece back together a strong midfield operation.

After losing three Premier League games in a row, Unai Emery‘s side earned a crucial victory over West Ham before the March international break, and they picked up where they left off with a battling 3-1 win over Bologna in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday.

Ahead of Villa facing Nottingham Forest in the league on Sunday, in a contest between two sides hoping to reach the Europa League semi-finals, Tielemans’ display in Italy is a real boost for the West Midlands outfit.

Ollie Watkins grabs the headlines but Youri Tielemans shines too

Villa were second-best for long spells of their match away at Bologna, with the Italian team having the lion’s share of possession and chances on goal.

However, Villa had four shots on target, the same as the Serie A outfit, but scored from three of them at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

Against the run of play, Ezri Konsa headed in Tielemans corner in the 44th minute before Ollie Watkins doubled Villa’s lead six minutes after the break.

Jonathan Rowe set up a nervy finish with a brilliant curling strike in the 90th minute, only for Watkins to nod in Tielemans’ corner to restore their two-goal cushion.

This capped off a fine display for Belgium international Tielemans, who appears to be back fully fit after an ankle injury.

The 28-year-old created three big chances, made four key passes, had a passing accuracy of 81 per cent, which rose to 91 per cent in his own half, and he did his defensive duties, too.

Tielemans made four defensive contributions, including four recoveries, two blocked shots, one interception, one tackle, and he won three of his six ground duels.

When on song and fully fit, Tielemans provides an extra string to Villa’s bow in midfield. If he can stay fit, their chances of winning the Europa League and qualifying for next season’s Champions League is very much possible.

Europa League hopefuls lock horns in Premier League

Villa, who felt they should have had a penalty against Bologna, travel to lowly Forest on Sunday, looking to secure a league double over their Midlands rivals.

The Tricky Trees have won their last two home league games against Villa, last achieving three in a row against them between 1977 and 1979.

Conversely, Villa are looking to complete the league double over Forest for the first time since 2017-18, and for the first time in the Premier League since 1992-93.

Indeed, they have a good recent record against Forest, having lost just three of their last 17 Premier League games against their upcoming opponents, with nine wins and five draws along the way.

A win for Villa will strengthen their chances of finishing in the top five, whereas victory for Forest could take them six points clear of the relegation zone if results go their way.