Watkins Brace Lifts Villa in Europa League Quarter-Final Control
Watkins Brace Lifts Villa in Europa League Quarter-Final Control
Ollie Watkins scores twice as Aston Villa beat Bologna 3-1 to seize a commanding first-leg lead in the Europa League quarter-final.
Ollie Watkins struck twice as Aston Villa beat Bologna 3-1 to seize control of the Europa League quarter-final. Ezri Konsa was also on target for the visitors as they weathered an early storm to take a two-goal cushion into the second leg.
Watkins' brace and Konsa's goal turned the tide after Bologna's bright start, giving Villa a comfortable lead to defend in the return fixture. The early pressure from Bologna was repelled by Villa's composure and finishing, and the visitors capitalized to establish a decisive advantage.
The result leaves Villa with a strong position heading into the second leg, while Bologna must regroup to try and overturn the deficit in a challenging rematch.
