Europa League semis set: Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest, Braga vs Freiburg

The Europa League semi-final fixtures for the 2025-26 season have been confirmed, with Aston Villa set to face Nottingham Forest and Braga to meet Freiburg. The first legs are scheduled for April 30, 2026, following the quarter-final second legs played on Thursday, April 16. Aston Villa booked their place with a 7-1 aggregate win over Bologna after a 4-0 home victory, while Nottingham Forest edged FC Porto 2-1 on aggregate thanks to a 1-0 home win. In Spain, Braga overturned a deficit to beat Real Betis 5-3 on aggregate after a 4-2 away triumph, and Freiburg sealed a 6-1 aggregate advance over Celta Vigo with a 3-1 home win.

For Nigerian football fans, the semi-finals offer high-stakes viewing opportunities. The all-English clash between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest pits two Premier League sides against each other, a rare scenario that draws significant local interest. Meanwhile, the Braga-Freiburg tie presents a chance to see how European underdogs fare against established clubs. Knowing the exact dates helps fans plan their viewing around work or family commitments, especially if matches are streamed on popular sports platforms.

Mark your calendar for April 30 to catch the first legs; the return legs will follow a week later on May 7. Check local broadcasters or streaming services for kickoff times, which are typically in the evening West African Time. Winners of these ties will meet in the final on May 21 in Dublin. Will you be watching the all-English showdown for bragging rights, or will you back Braga and Freiburg in hopes of a continental upset?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/17/europa-league-semi-final-fixtures-confirmed-5/