Aston Villa secured second place in the Europa League league phase on Thursday night after a dramatic home comeback win, while Nottingham Forest booked a comfortable spot in the playoffs with a dominant victory in Hungary.
The results cap a strong European night for English clubs, though Villa now face fresh injury concerns ahead of a busy domestic run.
What happened and why does it matter?
Aston Villa came from 2–0 down to beat Red Bull Salzburg at Villa Park, confirming their second-place finish in the Europa League table.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, thrashed Ferencváros 4–0 to keep their European hopes alive via the playoff route.
The results matter because Villa now avoids an extra knockout round, while Forest must navigate the playoffs to progress further.
💜 Aston Villa’s stunning comeback
🦅 Ludogorets clinch play-off spotMost impressive performance? 🌟#UELPOTW
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) January 30, 2026
Both outcomes shape how demanding the next phase of the season will be for each club.
How did Aston Villa turn the game around against Salzburg?
Aston Villa looked in trouble early on after conceding twice in the first half against a sharp Salzburg side. Matters worsened when striker Ollie Watkins limped off with a hamstring injury before the break, raising concerns for manager Unai Emery.
Despite the setback, Villa showed resilience after half-time. They pressed higher, moved the ball quicker, and gradually forced Salzburg back.
The decisive moment came late on when Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, just 19 years old, scored a calm finish to complete the turnaround and spark celebrations inside Villa Park.
“The reaction from the players was outstanding,” Emery said after the match. “We showed belief, even when the situation was difficult.”
Key match facts (Europa League – League Phase)
- Result: Aston Villa 3–2 Red Bull Salzburg
- Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham
- Villa league finish: 2nd
- Goalscorer to watch: Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba (19)
What does Ollie Watkins’ injury mean for Villa?
Watkins’ hamstring injury could prove costly. The England international has been central to Villa’s Europa League and Premier League campaigns this season.
The club has not yet confirmed how long he will be sidelined, but even a short absence could stretch Villa’s attacking options during a packed February schedule.
For now, Villa’s second-place finish gives them valuable recovery time before the knockout rounds begin.
How did Nottingham Forest dominate Ferencváros?
Nottingham Forest produced one of their most complete European performances of the season, winning 4–0 away to Ferencváros.
Brazilian forward Igor Jesus scored twice, leading a confident display that never allowed the Hungarian side into the game. Forest controlled possession, created chances at will, and defended comfortably.
Nottingham Forest match snapshot
- Result: Ferencváros 0–4 Nottingham Forest
- Goal hero: Igor Jesus (2 goals)
- Outcome: Forest qualify for Europa League playoffs
“That’s the level we know we can reach,” a Forest coach said post-match. “Now we need to show it again in the playoffs.”
What else is happening in global sport?
Away from football, tennis fans are set for a blockbuster showdown in Melbourne. World number one Aryna Sabalenka will face Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final tomorrow.
The match brings together two of the hardest hitters on the women’s tour and is expected to draw strong UK viewing figures despite the early start time.
