<\/p>\n
Ollie Watkins scored twice as Aston Villa beat Bologna 3-1 in their Europa League quarter-final first leg on Thursday, while Nottingham Forest held Porto 1-1 thanks to a comical own goal from Martim Fernandes.<\/p>\n
Freiburg also have one foot in the last four after beating Celta Vigo 3-0.<\/p>\n
Villa boss Unai Emery is aiming to win the competition for a fifth time and the favourites rode their luck to emerge victorious in Italy.<\/p>\n
“It could’ve been different,” said Watkins. “We got lucky.”<\/p>\n
Bologna made a bright start to their first European quarter-final in 27 years.<\/p>\n
An Ezri Konsa own goal was ruled out by a VAR review for a marginal offside against Santiago Castro before Lewis Ferguson hit the bar.<\/p>\n
But the Coppa Italia winners were undone by some awful set-piece defending to allow Villa two of their goals.<\/p>\n
Konsa headed into an unguarded net just before the break after Federico Ravaglia flapped at a corner.<\/p>\n
Watkins quickly doubled the visitors’ advantage after half-time with a cool finish after Emi Buendia won possession deep in Bologna territory.<\/p>\n
Federico Bernardeschi hit the post and Jonathan Rowe was denied by a brilliant Emi Martinez save.<\/p>\n
Rowe’s stunning finish in the 90th minute looked to have given Bologna a foothold in the tie.<\/p>\n
But Watkins was left completely unmarked to tap in from a corner deep into stoppage time and further his case for inclusion in England’s World Cup squad.<\/p>\n
“Back end of the season I’m raring to go,” added Watkins. “I’m excited for the next few games. I’m hungry.”<\/p>\n
Villa will face the winners of the tie between Porto and Forest should they progress to the semi-finals.<\/p>\n
An all-English affair in the last four is on the cards after Forest were handed a gift by Fernandes.<\/p>\n
Porto capitalised on a strong start when William Gomes turned in at the far post.<\/p>\n
But the lead lasted barely two minutes before Fernandes found his own net from just inside the Porto half as he overhit a pass back to goalkeeper Diogo Costa.<\/p>\n
Forest striker Igor Jesus had a goal ruled out in the second half, but the visitors were happier with the draw that leaves the tie up for grabs next week at the City Ground.<\/p>\n
“It was a good result,” said Forest boss Vitor Pereira.<\/p>\n
“At 1-1 at half-time in the tie, it’s open, and we’re at home to decide who qualifies.”<\/p>\n
The best European run in Freiburg’s history looks set to continue after Celta were blown away by the Bundesliga side.<\/p>\n
Vincenzo Grifo’s curling effort gave the home side the perfect start on 10 minutes.<\/p>\n
Niklas Beste doubled Freiburg’s lead at the end of a fine team move and Matthias Ginter headed in 12 minutes from time to secure a commanding first leg lead.<\/p>\n
Braga and Real Betis drew 1-1 in the other quarter-final, first leg on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n