McGinn’s Goal Gives Villa 1-0 Win Over Bologna

John McGinn’s 13th-minute low drive sealed a 1-0 Europa League group-stage win for Aston Villa over Bologna at Villa Park, giving Villa a timely first win of the season. Ollie Watkins had a second-half penalty saved by Bologna goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, and Santiago Castro rattled the crossbar as Bologna threatened late, but Villa held on. The result eased pressure on Unai Emery after a stuttering start that included injuries, rotation and the recent resignation of sporting director Monchi. McGinn’s strike was his fourth goal from outside the box in major European competition since 2023-24, more than any other player in that period. Villa will next face group opponents including Maccabi Tel Aviv and Basel, though questions about their league form remain.