Aston Villa have ended a 44-year wait to reach a European final, sealing a commanding 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest at Villa Park to book their place in the Europa League final against Freiburg in Istanbul.
The Premier League side overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit with a dominant performance on home soil, producing one of their most important European nights in decades.
Nottingham Forest started Nicolás Domínguez in midfield, but Villa gradually took control of the game after settling early nerves and asserting pressure on the visitors.
Just before half-time, Emiliano Buendía played a decisive role, creating the move that led to Ollie Watkins’ goal, which levelled the tie on aggregate and shifted momentum firmly in Villa’s favour.
In the second half, Villa maintained their intensity and were rewarded when Buendía converted from the penalty spot to extend their advantage and put the tie beyond Forest’s reach.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez had a relatively quiet evening, but remained a steady presence as Villa protected their lead and secured qualification without major trouble.
The victory sends Aston Villa into their first continental final since 1982, marking a major milestone in the club’s European history.
Buendía’s strong performances in the closing stages of the season have also boosted his hopes of earning a place in Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
