Aston Villa overcomes Bologna in Europa League

First win of the season

Aston Villa secured their first victory of the season across all competitions, defeating Bologna 1-0 in their Europa League group stage opener.

McGinn breaks deadlock

Unai Emery’s men dominated early, and their superiority was rewarded in the 13th minute when Scottish midfielder John McGinn fired a low shot from the edge of the box into the left corner past Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski.

Bologna’s second-half response

Bologna improved after halftime, with winger Federico Bernardeschi testing Dutch goalkeeper Marco Bizot in the 47th minute. As Vincenzo Italiano’s side pushed for an equalizer, the referee awarded a penalty via VAR after Czech defender Martin Vitík fouled substitute Ollie Watkins. However, Skorupski saved Watkins’ attempt down the middle in the 68th minute.

Late drama denies Bologna

Bologna came close when Argentine Santiago Castro’s header struck the crossbar following a cross from substitute Riccardo Orsolini in the 71st minute. In stoppage time, Bizot produced a brilliant save to deny Vitík’s header, securing Aston Villa’s narrow but vital first win of the campaign.