The Europa League quarter-final first leg between Bologna and Aston Villa promises to be an intriguing contest between two sides that have impressed throughout the competition. The Italian hosts will look to make the most of their home advantage at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, while the English visitors arrive with confidence after a strong European campaign. Both teams have met twice before, with Villa winning on both occasions without conceding, setting the stage for another fascinating encounter on April 9, 2026.

Bologna’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Bologna come into this clash on the back of a 2-1 victory over Cremonese in Serie A, a result that helped them recover from a defeat to Lazio before the international break. Their recent form has been steady, with only two losses in their last eleven matches across all competitions (seven wins and two draws). In the Europa League, Bologna have been consistent, recording six wins, five draws, and just one defeat, averaging 1.7 goals scored and 0.9 conceded per game.

At home, Bologna have shown resilience, particularly in the first half, as they have not lost at half time in their last thirteen matches. However, they have struggled to take early leads, failing to win at half time in nineteen of their last twenty home fixtures. Their matches tend to open up after the break, with over 0.5 goals scored in the second half in twelve consecutive home games and in twenty-two of their last twenty-four overall. These trends suggest that Bologna often grow into matches as they progress, relying on late momentum to find goals.

• Europa League record: W 6 · D 5 · L 1


• Average goals scored: 1.7 · Average conceded: 0.9


• Over 0.5 goals in the second half: 22 of last 24 matches


• Haven’t lost at half time in last 13 matches

Despite their solid European campaign, Bologna’s record against English sides remains poor, and they have yet to beat Aston Villa in their history. Hosting this match for the first time gives them a chance to change that narrative, especially as they seek a route back into European qualification through this competition.

Aston Villa’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Aston Villa travel to Italy in excellent form, having defeated West Ham United 2-0 in their last outing before the international break. The English side have been dominant in the Europa League this season, winning nine of their ten matches, scoring an average of 1.7 goals per game while conceding only 0.6. Their attacking style has been a hallmark of their campaign, and they have scored in eight of their last ten away fixtures.

Villa’s matches often come alive after the interval, with over 0.5 goals scored in the second half in each of their last ten games and in eighteen of their last twenty away from home. They also tend to start cautiously, as under 1.5 goals have been scored in the first half in eighteen of their last twenty matches. This pattern suggests a team that builds pressure gradually before finding breakthroughs later in games.

• Europa League record: W 9 · D 0 · L 1


• Average goals scored: 1.7 · Average conceded: 0.6


• Over 0.5 goals in the second half: 10 consecutive matches


• Under 1.5 goals at half time: 18 of last 20 matches

In their previous meetings with Bologna, Villa have won both matches, including a 1-0 victory earlier this season. Their European pedigree and recent consistency make them a formidable opponent. The squad’s depth and attacking options have allowed them to maintain momentum across competitions, and they will aim to extend their winning streak in Europe to eight matches.

Bologna vs Aston Villa Tactical Overview

This quarter-final first leg is expected to be a balanced affair, with both sides showing strong defensive organization and the ability to strike in the second half. Bologna’s home form and late-game resilience could make them difficult to break down, but Aston Villa’s efficiency in front of goal and superior European experience give them a slight edge. The Italians will likely rely on their attacking midfielders to create chances, while Villa’s disciplined structure and quick transitions could prove decisive.

Historically, Bologna have struggled against English opposition, and their current run of three winless home games adds pressure to deliver a result. Villa, meanwhile, have shown they can handle away challenges, and their recent performances suggest they will not be intimidated by the atmosphere in Bologna. Given both teams’ tendencies to score in the second half, fans can expect an intense and open contest after the break.

BetMines Prediction

Bologna vs Aston Villa prediction from BetMines: Both Teams To Score (Yes) with 56% probability.