This live blog follows the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final between Bologna and Aston Villa, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST. It comes alongside other European football coverage on the night, including Porto v Nottingham Forest.
As the teams emerged, the atmosphere in the stadium began to build. The players were out, and the DJ played the Unai Emery anthem as the pre-match scene took shape.
Bologna arrive with a notable attacking story in Federico Bernardeschi. He has managed only a couple of goals in Serie A for the club this season, but he has been far more influential in Europe. Bernardeschi is Bologna’s leading scorer in the Europa League this campaign with five goals.
His form in the competition has already made a difference in the knockout rounds. He scored in both legs of Bologna’s last-16 victory over Roma, underlining his importance in European matches even if his domestic numbers have been more modest.
That contrast between league and continental form gives Bologna an interesting edge going into the tie. For Aston Villa, the challenge is to handle a side that has shown its best qualities in Europe and has momentum from a strong last-16 performance.
As a quarter-final first leg, the match carries added weight. Both teams know that the result here will shape the second leg and could influence the wider direction of their Europa League campaign.
With the match underway or about to get going, attention turns to how Bologna’s European threat and Aston Villa’s experience under Unai Emery will play out across the 90 minutes. The opening stages should set the tone for what promises to be a significant night in the competition.
