In this update of assorted Europa League noticings, I should begin with the first thing I noticed on Thursday night, namely that these two teams cared about the match.
Aston Villa and Bologna stepped out onto the field at Villa Park like they meant it. Adding a Champions League place for the Europa League winners really has revolutionised European football’s secondary club competition.
Villa have improved. I think that much is obvious. They’re still not quite joined up in the final third but the first win was never going to be a barnstormer.
We take it and on we go. Up the fucking Villa.
Here’s your Holy Trinity of match conclusions.