"Unai Emery's Villa, who finished second in the league phase of this season's competition, behind another French side in Lyon, will go to northern France for the first leg on March 12 before the return in Birmingham on March 19. Villa, who lost to Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals of last season's Champions League, defeated Lille on penalties in the last eight of the Conference League in 2024."
"With the draw being made for the rounds up to the final, Villa know the reward if they beat Lille will be a quarter-final against the winner of the all-Italian last-16 tie between Bologna and Roma."
"There is also the possibility of an all-English semi-final -- Forest and Villa will play each other if both get that far."
Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have been drawn in the Europa League last 16. Villa, who finished second in the league phase, will face Lille in a rematch after defeating them on penalties in the Conference League last year. The first leg occurs March 12 in France, with the return March 19 in Birmingham. A potential quarter-final awaits against either Bologna or Roma. Nottingham Forest will play Midtjylland after qualifying through the knockout play-offs. If both English clubs advance, they could meet in the semi-finals. The final takes place May 20 in Istanbul at Besiktas's stadium.
Read at theScore.com
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