Aston Villa began their UEFA Europa League campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Bologna at Villa Park on September 26, 2025. The solitary goal, scored in the second half, was enough to secure all three points for the Premier League side in a tightly contested and tactical encounter. The first half was a cagey affair with few clear chances, as both teams prioritized defensive solidity. The breakthrough came just after the hour mark when Villa's midfielder unleashed a powerful shot from distance that took a slight deflection, wrong-footing the Bologna goalkeeper. The Italian side pushed for an equalizer in the final stages, but Villa's defense, marshaled by their captain, held firm to preserve the clean sheet and the win. The result gave Villa a perfect start in the group stage, putting early pressure on their rivals, while Bologna was left to rue a missed opportunity to steal a point away from home. Villa's manager expressed satisfaction with the grit shown by his team, and Bologna's coach believed his side deserved at least a draw for their effort. Villa's starting XI featured several new signings, who integrated well to secure a hard-fought result.