One key takeaway for each of the eight Europa League quarter-finalists following the first leg, with Freiburg dominating.

14 – Braga couldn’t maintain their first-half advantage against Real Betis, as Florian Grillitsch’s early flick was cancelled out by a Cucho Hernandez penalty in the 60th minute. The match ended in a 1-1 draw in Portugal, setting the stage for an intriguing return leg in Seville next Thursday.

Braga, who have enjoyed a commendable UEFA Europa League season, have scored in all but two of their matches so far. At home, they have found the net in their last 14 games dating back to the previous season.

4 – Betis, aiming for a second consecutive European final after reaching the Conference League showpiece last spring, had a tough start to the second half before the penalty. That goal could turn out to be crucial, especially as they prepare to host the second leg.

Whether Los Verdiblancos can progress further—something they’ve never achieved in the UEFA Europa League—is still uncertain. However, Betis remain winless in their last four knockout round away fixtures (0-3-1).

9 – The standout performers this matchweek were Freiburg, who delivered an impressive home display to triumph over Celta Vigo 3-0. A first-ever semi-final is tantalisingly within reach for the Germans if they can maintain their performance in Spain next week.

Having faced Spanish teams for the third time, Freiburg secured their initial win. Much like several other teams still competing in Europe, Breisgau-Brasilianer have excelled on home turf. They have now achieved a total of nine clean sheets in their home continental matches.

13 – To suggest Celta had an off day would be quite the understatement. Os Celestes conceded three goals in a single match at the most inconvenient time, marking their seventh occurrence of such a result in continental contests.

Six of these were on their travels. What is perhaps even more concerning is that Celta failed to score for the first time this term in the UEL, ending a remarkable streak of 13 continental matches with at least one goal.

16 – The other Portuguese side at this stage, Porto, also settled for a 1-1 draw at home against Nottingham Forest. Despite taking the lead, the Dragoes were only ahead for two minutes before Martim Fernandes inadvertently scored an own goal.

Even more disheartening for the home side was their inability to convert numerous chances into a victory. Porto registered 16 attempts in total, nearly triple that of Forest.

3 – Forest will undoubtedly be the more satisfied of the two sides heading into next week’s decider at the City Ground. The Tricky Trees didn’t create as many opportunities as their rivals but can return home with a confident mindset regarding their chances of progressing.

If they move forward, Forest will match their deepest run in the UEFA Cup/Europa League, a feat they last achieved in the 1983/84 season. They have drawn three matches this season in Europe, all away from home, and remain unbeaten in three knockout round away fixtures (2-1-0).

1 – Bologna were the only home team to suffer defeat this matchweek, which is tinged with irony. Vincenzo Italiano’s squad fell 3-1 to the heavily-favoured Aston Villa, complicating their quest to reach a first semi-final in 27 years.

I Rossoblu converted more than enough chances, outshooting Villa 19-8, yet find themselves in a precarious position. Bologna now faces the disappointment of suffering their first-ever home loss in the competition, ending a remarkable 20-game unbeaten streak.

8 – Ollie Watkins’ second-half brace was pivotal at Stadio Renata Dall’Ara, where Villa are on the brink of making a second continental semi-final in the last three seasons. Unai Emery’s side was clinical in attack, propelling them to victory.

Winning has become a recurring theme for Villa in this season’s UEL, with their triumph marking their 10th win in 11 matches. This also extends their winning streak to eight consecutive matches, their longest run in any UEFA club competition.