Unai Emery is already turning his focus to the next big European test after guiding Aston Villa into the Europa League semi-finals with authority.
Villa powered past Bologna with a commanding 4-0 second-leg victory, sealing an emphatic 7-1 aggregate triumph.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Premier League outfit now set their sights on a high-stakes showdown against Nottingham Forest.
The semi-final tie will kick off at the City Ground on April 30, before the decisive return leg unfolds at Villa Park on May 7.
As the competition heats up, Emery is embracing the challenge ahead, fully aware of the history and weight both clubs carry into the encounter.
“It’s important for both teams, and we have something similar,” Emery said after the game.
“These clubs won the Champions League. Two times Nottingham Forest have won, I think at that moment, the European Cup. And Aston Villa have won as well this competition.”
With both sides boasting rich European pedigrees, Emery believes the tie promises to deliver a thrilling contest for players and fans alike.
“Now to play in the semi-final is something that is very important for us, for them. It’s going to be a very good semi-final for both teams, for the supporters.”
As the stakes rise, the Villa boss also highlighted the difficulty of navigating knockout football at this stage, where margins are tight and experience becomes crucial.
“It’s a possibility to play a final. And I know how difficult it is to play semi-finals, and how difficult it is to beat teams when you are playing a semi-final.”
With confidence building and rhythm on their side, the Villans now prepare to shift gears once more, aiming to carry their dominant form into what promises to be a fiercely contested European semi-final.
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