Ola Aina's Nottingham Forest set up all-English Europa clash with Aston Villa
A new chapter in European football history will be written as Nottingham Forest, powered by Super Eagles defender Ola Aina, book a place in the UEFA Europa League semifinals after edging past FC Porto in a tightly contested quarterfinal tie.
Forest’s disciplined 1-0 home victory proved decisive, sealing a 2-1 aggregate triumph following last week’s 1-1 draw in Portugal.
The encounter also featured Nigerian stars Zaidu Sanusi and Terem Moffi, but their efforts were not enough to stop the English side’s march into the last four.
The result sets up a rare all English semifinal clash against Aston Villa the first of its kind in the competition since 1973 adding an extra layer of intrigue and rivalry to the tie.
Villa arrive in dominant fashion after dismantling Bologna 7-1 on aggregate, including a commanding 4-0 victory at home, underlining their status as serious contenders for the title.
Forest will enjoy home advantage in the first leg on April 30, before travelling to Villa Park for the decisive return fixture on May 7.
With both sides in strong form, the semifinal promises a fierce battle for a place in the final.
Awaiting the winner in Istanbul on May 20 will be either SC Freiburg or Sporting Braga, as the race for Europa League glory reaches its thrilling climax.
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