The Europa League quarterfinal first legs showed that control alone is not enough. Across the fixtures played, teams found different ways to gain an edge, whether through resilience, clinical finishing or outright dominance.
At the Estadio do Dragao, Nottingham Forest secured a 1-1 draw against FC Porto in a game defined by a single moment. Porto led through William Gomes, but Forest were handed a way back when Martim Fernandes turned the ball into his own net from long range. Despite sustained pressure, Forest held on, with Stefan Ortega making key saves to keep the tie level heading into the second leg.
In Italy, Aston Villa showed a different route to control, beating Bologna FC 3-1 despite being second best for long periods. Ezri Konsa gave Villa the lead just before half-time (44’), before Ollie Watkins struck in the 51st minute and again in stoppage time (95’), either side of Jonathan Rowe’s late goal (90’). Bologna created 11 shots to Villa’s eight but lacked efficiency.
The most complete performance came in Germany, where SC Freiburg beat Celta Vigo 3-0. Vincenzo Grifo opened the scoring early (10’) with a curling finish, Jan-Niklas Beste added a second after half an hour, and Matthias Ginter sealed the result late (78’). Freiburg combined attacking sharpness with defensive discipline, restricting Celta to just three shots and none on target.
Earlier in the week, SC Braga drew 1-1 with Real Betis in a more evenly matched contest. Florian Grillitsch gave Braga the lead early (5’) with an inventive finish, before Cucho Hernandez equalised from the penalty spot just after the hour mark. With both sides producing similar expected goals figures, the tie remains open heading into the return leg in Spain.
The first legs have drawn the early lines, but little has been settled. Forest will look to build on momentum at home, Villa have given themselves room to manage the second leg, Freiburg are within reach of a historic semifinal, while Braga and Betis remain locked in a contest where margins are likely to decide the outcome.
Villa go clear, Forest hold on, Freiburg take charge in Europa ties
