Conference League quarter final [Full Draw]

Aston Villa will take on French side Lille in the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League as they continue their quest to win a first European trophy in more than 40 years.

Aston Villa crushed Ajax 4-0 on aggregate in the last 16 and will now host Lille in the first leg of their quarter-final tie before heading to France for the return a week later.

They are aiming to claim their third continental title following their victory in the European Cup in 1982 and the UEFA Super Cup the following season.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has a remarkable European record, having won the Europa League as coach three times with Sevilla and once with Villarreal.

Lille, who sit fourth in Ligue 1, are through to a European quarter-final for the first time in their history.

The winners of that tie will advance to a semi-final against either Greek giants Olympiakos or Fenerbahce of Turkey, who meet in the last eight.

Meanwhile, last season’s runners-up Fiorentina will take on Czech side Viktoria Plzen in the quarter-finals, with the winners of that meeting either Club Brugge of Belgium or PAOK of Greece next.

This season’s Conference League final will be played in Athens at the OPAP Arena on May 29.

Roma won the inaugural Conference League in 2022, with West Ham United lifting the trophy last season.

Europa Conference League: Quarter-finals

Club Brugge (BEL) v PAOK (GRE)

Olympiakos (GRE) v Fenerbahce (TUR)

Aston Villa (ENG) v Lille (FRA)

Viktoria Plzen (CZE) v Fiorentina (ITA)

– First legs to be played April 11, second legs April 18

Semi-finals

Aston Villa or Lille v Olympiakos or Fenerbahce

Viktoria Plzen or Fiorentina v Club Brugge or PAOK

– First legs to be played May 2, second legs May 9

Related Topics:Europa Conference League Featured

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Raphael Onyedika reflects on first UCL Goal

Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika expressed his excitement after scoring his first-ever UEFA Champions League goal against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

Despite Brugge’s 3-1 loss, Onyedika couldn’t hide his pride in the achievement. “I don’t know how to put it, but it’s an amazing feeling to score my first goal in City’s stadium. I’m so proud,” the Nigeria international told Flashcore.com.

Onyedika acknowledged that while Brugge took the lead, they struggled after conceding. “We knew it would be difficult after we got the first goal; we were a bit sloppy. And when we conceded the first goal, they had more momentum and energy, so it was much more difficult for us because of our mistakes.”

The goal will surely be a memorable moment for the young midfielder as he continues his Champions League journey.

Premier League

David Raya doubtful for Arsenal’s clash against Manchester City

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that goalkeeper David Raya may miss the Gunners’ crucial Premier League fixture against Manchester City on Sunday.

Raya was absent from Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Girona in the Champions League, with Neto stepping in for his debut after joining on a season-long loan from Bournemouth.

Although Neto conceded the opening goal to Arnaut Danjuma in the 28th minute, Arsenal responded with Jorginho’s penalty and a spectacular goal by rising star Ethan Nwaneri.

Arteta did not provide specific details on Raya’s injury but noted, “He certainly could not play, and he’s injured, and that’s it. We’ll see how it improves.”

When asked whether Neto could continue in Raya’s absence, Arteta expressed confidence in the experienced goalkeeper, stating, “That’s why he’s here, to do that job… I’m very happy that he played and we won again.”

Arsenal will be hoping Raya recovers in time for the vital clash as they look to maintain their strong position in the league.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Tella celebrates first Champions League goal in Bayer Leverkusen win

Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella has joyfully celebrated his first-ever UEFA Champions League goal after netting in his team’s 2-0 triumph over Sparta Prague on Wednesday night.

The Nigeria international struck in the 64th minute, sealing the victory and helping Leverkusen advance to the Round of 16. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the former Burnley star, who was playing in England’s second-tier league just two years ago.

Taking to social media after the match, Tella shared his excitement with a heartfelt message accompanied by a photo from the game:

“Dreams come true,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso praised Tella’s performance as the team comfortably secured their place in the next stage of Europe’s elite competition. Tella’s rapid rise continues to inspire fans and players alike as he establishes himself on the European football stage.