Aston Villa 4-0 Nottingham Forest, Europa League SF: McGinn Stars As AVFC Book Ticket To Istanbul

John McGinn scored twice as Aston Villa routed Nottingham Forest 4-0 in the Europa League on Thursday to reach its first major European final in 44 years. McGinn’s second-half goals were almost identical left-footed shots from the edge of the area to cap a dominant display at Villa Park in the second leg of the all-English semifinal to the delight of roaring fans, including Prince William, who joined in singing “Sweet Caroline” after the final whistle. Villa advanced 4-1 on aggregate and will face German club Freiburg in the May 20 final in Istanbul. Freiburg beat 10-man Braga 3-1 on Thursday to advance 4-3 on aggregate.

Updated on: 8 May 2026 8:41 am

Published at: 8 May 2026 8:41 am

Europa League: Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest

Aston Villa's John McGinn, right, and Morgan Rogers react after the Europa League second-leg semifinal soccer match between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest in Birmingham, England. | Photo: AP/Dave Shopland

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Europa League: Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa

British Crown Prince William reacts at the end of the Europa League second-leg semifinal soccer match between Aston Villa and Nottingham in Birmingham, England. | Photo: AP/Dave Shopland

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Europa League Soccer: Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forrest players walk off the pitch after the Europa League second-leg semifinal soccer match between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forrest in Birmingham, England. | Photo: AP/Dave Shopland

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Europa League Soccer: Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa

Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, rear center, celebrates Aston Villa's third goal during the Europa League soccer match between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest Birmingham, England. | Photo: Mike Egerton/PA via AP

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UEFA Europa League 2025-26: Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest

Aston Villa's John McGinn celebrates after scoring during the Europa League second-leg semifinal soccer match between Aston Villa and Nottingham in Birmingham, England. | Photo: AP/Dave Shopland

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UEFA Europa League 2025-26: Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa

Aston Villa's Emiliano Buendia scores from a penalty kick during the Europa League second-leg semifinal soccer match between Aston Villa and Nottingham in Birmingham, England. | Photo: AP/Dave Shopland

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Britain Europa League Soccer: Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest

Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring their first goal of the game during the Europa League second-leg semifinal soccer match between Aston Villa and Nottingham in Birmingham, England. | Photo: Mike Egerton/PA via AP

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Britain Europa League Soccer: Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa

Nottingham Forest's Morato, back, and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins jump for the ballduring the Europa League second-leg semifinal soccer match between Aston Villa and Nottingham in Birmingham, England. | Photo: AP/Dave Shopland

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Europa League Second-Leg Semifinal Soccer Match: Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest

Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins reacts after a collision during the Europa League second-leg semifinal soccer match between Aston Villa and Nottingham in Birmingham, England. | Photo: AP/Dave Shopland

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Europa League Second-Leg Semifinal Soccer Match: Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa

Nottingham Forest's goalkeeper Stefan Ortega saves during the Europa League second-leg semifinal soccer match between Aston Villa and Nottingham in Birmingham, England. | Photo: AP/Dave Shopland

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