English clubs enjoyed another memorable night in European football as Aston Villa and Crystal Palace secured places in continental finals after impressive semi-final victories.
The two Premier League sides produced dominant performances to continue England’s strong presence in UEFA competitions this season.
At Villa Park, Aston Villa overturned a first-leg deficit by thrashing Nottingham Forest 4-0 to advance 4-1 on aggregate into the UEFA Europa League final.
Goals from Ollie Watkins, Emi Buendia and a brace from captain John McGinn sealed a famous comeback for Unai Emery’s side in front of an electric home crowd.
Villa will now face German side SC Freiburg in the Europa League final after Freiburg defeated Braga 3-1 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate.
Freiburg capitalised on Braga being reduced to 10 men early in the match, with Lukas Kubler scoring twice to help the Bundesliga club reach their first-ever major European final.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace continued their dream European run by defeating Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 at Selhurst Park to complete a 5-2 aggregate victory in the UEFA Conference League semi-final.
Daniel Muñoz and Ismaila Sarr scored for Palace as the London club booked the first European final in their history.
Palace will meet Spanish club Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final after Vallecano eliminated Strasbourg over two legs.
The final is scheduled to take place in Leipzig on May 27, while Aston Villa and Freiburg will battle for the Europa League title in Istanbul on May 20.
The achievements of Aston Villa and Crystal Palace underline the growing strength of English clubs in Europe this season.
Villa are chasing their first European trophy since 1982, while Palace are aiming to crown a historic campaign with silverware after already lifting the FA Cup earlier in the season.
