Europa League Quarter-Finals head to deciders

Four teams will move a step closer to May’s UEFA Europa League final in Istanbul when quarter-final second legs take place on Thursday 16 April.

Nottingham Forest vs Porto (First leg: 1-1)

The tie remains finely balanced after a 1-1 draw in Portugal. Porto initially took the lead before an own goal levelled matters shortly after.

Nottingham Forest will take confidence from becoming the first team to deny Porto a home win in this season’s competition.

No major new injury concerns have been reported for Nottingham Forest ahead of the tie. Only Jair Cunha and Nicolò Savona remain sidelined. Selection choices by coach Vítor Pereira are expected to be key as Forest push for progression.

Meanwhile as for FC Porto, the team will be without defender Martim Fernandes who is expected to miss out after sustaining an injury in the first leg. Luuk de Jong and Samuel Aghehowa also remain unavailable.

Celta Vigo vs Freiburg (First leg: 0-3)

Freiburg take a commanding advantage into the second leg after a dominant 3-0 win in Germany. Vincenzo Grifo opened the scoring early with a curling effort, setting the tone for a confident display.

The result puts the Bundesliga side on course for a potential first major European semi-final. However, Celta Vigo coach Claudio Giráldez remained optimistic ahead of the encounter, saying his side will be “more dangerous” with nothing to lose, in the press briefing ahead of the game.

Celta have won four of their six home matches in this competition this season, but face a significant challenge overturning the deficit.

Aston Villa vs Bologna (First leg: 3-1)

Aston Villa hold a strong advantage after a 3-1 first-leg victory, inspired by a brace from Ollie Watkins. A late goal from Jonathan Rowe briefly gave Bologna hope, but Villa restored their cushion immediately.

Villa will look to capitalise on home momentum as they aim to reach another European semi-final under Unai Emery.

Villa are appearing in their third European quarter-final in as many seasons.

Real Betis vs Braga (First leg: 1-1)

The teams are coming into this one on level terms after a closely contested first leg. Braga took the lead early in the first leg game, before Betis equalized from the penalty spot in the second half to send the game into the second leg with a lot at stake to play for.

Betis remain unbeaten at home in the competition where they have won 4 times and drawn once in the process, while Braga have lost just once away, while they have won 2 and drawn 2, setting up a competitive decider.