Aston Villa cruised past Bologna at Villa Park, a 4-0 victory on the night completing a 7-1 aggregate win in their Europa League quarter-final to set up a semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
Ollie Watkins finished off an intricate team move early on for his 100th Aston Villa goal and though Morgan Rogers had a penalty saved, Emiliano Buendia added a second within 46 seconds of that spot-kick and Rogers then made amends before the break.
That was a big moment for Rogers, not only after his penalty but with him ending a run of 12 games without scoring for club and country. It was a night for boosting confidence and the second half was a procession, Ezri Konsa capping it off with a goal late on.
Unai Emery, a Europa League specialist, has seen his side cruise through this competition so far but this was his side closer to their best, overwhelming the Italian opposition from the outset. On this form, they are justifying their status as favourites.
Seven points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea in the Premier League, Champions League qualification looks likely to be secured through that route. But Emery wants to be there as a Europa League winner for the fifth time. Forest now stand in their way in the last four.
Watkins has not hit the same heights this season and there had been a groundswell of opinion that Tammy Abraham deserved the nod ahead of him up top for Villa. But the 30-year-old England international, dropped by Thomas Tuchel, has found a response.
Having scored in the win over West Ham prior to that international break, he returned with a double against Bologna in the first leg and another to end any hopes of an Italian comeback at Villa Park. It is four goals in four games now for Watkins. A return to form.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins speaking to TNT Sports about his 100th goal:
"It's a milestone every striker wants to hit. The next is 100 Premier League goals, that's what I have my eyes on.
"It's an exciting time for me personally and the team. We have everyone fit and are playing our best football.
"We've got it all to play for. If someone said we would be fighting for Champions League and in the semi-final of the European competition, I would've bit their hand off!"
When asked what he has to do to earn an England recall, Watkins said: "Keep scoring goals!"
He added: "That's all I can do. I was disappointed to not be in the previous squad but I can understand his reasons.
"I will have to do my talking on the pitch."
Aston Villa captain John McGinn speaking to TNT Sports:
"It was a brilliant performance and we needed to get the first-half performance. To get the first goal and a great first half, it gets us into the semi-final. Absolutely delighted.
"We have a big game on Sunday and an objective to make the top five but we are delighted to be in the semi."
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery speaking in the press conference:
"It's important for both teams, and we have something similar. 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.
"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.
"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."
Bologna head coach Vincenzo Italiano speaking in the press conference:
"Obviously, it was hard for us because in the first leg we screwed up this tie because 3-1 was a heavy result.
"Today, we wanted to play a true game, cause them trouble. But they scored from every shot, exploiting every chance they had.
"They are stronger, they are one step ahead. Any mistake, they punish you. We knew they would be different at home. This was a hard game.
"They missed out on the Champions League by one goal. They are a very valuable team. Ever since day one people said they were the team to take the trophy home. We were unlucky to face them in the quarter finals."
