SC Freiburg have stormed into the UEFA Europa League semi-finals in emphatic style, completing a dominant 6-1 aggregate victory over Celta Vigo. Despite holding a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg, the German side showed no mercy in Spain, winning the second leg 3-1 with a performance that blended clinical finishing with tactical discipline.

The match was lit up by a moment of pure quality from Igor Matanović, whose stunning 35th-minute volley set the tone. Japanese forward Yuito Suzuki then took center stage, netting a well-taken brace to put the tie completely beyond doubt. This historic run marks the deepest Freiburg has ever ventured in European competition, a testament to the project being built at the Black Forest club.

Their reward is a semi-final clash with Portugal's SC Braga, who pulled off a stunning comeback of their own to eliminate Real Betis. The other side of the draw guarantees a thrilling all-English affair, as Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa will battle for a place in the final.

Forest secured their spot in dramatic fashion at a raucous City Ground. A first-half red card to Porto's Jan Bednarek shifted the momentum, and Morgan Gibbs-White's second-half goal sealed a 1-0 win on the night and a 2-1 aggregate victory. In a poignant moment, Gibbs-White celebrated by holding up the shirt of teammate Elliot Anderson, who was absent following a family bereavement.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, continued their impressive European form with a commanding 4-0 victory over Bologna, completing a comprehensive 7-1 aggregate triumph. Ollie Watkins, in scintillating form, opened the scoring to set Unai Emery's side on their way to a semi-final that promises high drama and Premier League intensity.