Football News

Thursday nights...ARE EUROPA NIGHTS!

The final Thursday of 2023/24 European action awaits as eight teams bid to book their places in the Europa League and Europa Conference League finals.

The semi-final second legs are bound to supply chaos across the board, although Bayer Leverkusen's victory in Rome has set them up for a rather comfortable progression into the Europa League final during their historical season.

Over in the Conference, it was goals galore in the first legs with Fiorentina aiming to return to the competition's showpiece event having been beaten in the final by West Ham last year. Aston Villa, meanwhile, have plenty of work to do in Greece.

Here's how sees Thursday's semi-final second legs playing out.

The city of Brugge has its priorities, with Thursday's clash between Club Brugge and Fiorentina being moved to Wednesday as a result of a catholic procession which will pass through the city. The Procession of Holy Blood, which takes place on Ascension Day, was recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2009.

Fiorentina will take a 3-2 lead to Brugge after M'Bala Nzola struck late on to ensure Vincenzo Italiano's side secured victory in Florence despite the visitors playing the final 30 minutes with ten men.

Nzola's goal could prove to be huge in the context of the tie, with Fiorentina having already established themselves as seasoned Conference League performers. Expect goals at both ends in Belgium but the Italians should find a way of reaching another final.

Kick-off Time (BST)

Fixture

Prediction

20:00

Club Brugge vs Fiorentina

2-2

Some might have fancied Roma, who have so far been very impressive under Daniele De Rossi, to inflict the first defeat upon Bayer Leverkusen this season.

However, Xabi

Aston Villa Vincenzo Italiano Europa League Daniele De-Rossi