Europa League Predictions - 16 April 2026, Quarter-finals

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 3 hours ago

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Simon Lewis 3 hours ago

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Celta Vigo to win but Freiburg to net at least once.
Aston Villa to hold off Bologna as the goals flow.
Braga to pull off a win away to Betis.
Notts Forest’s Europe dream to end at the hands of Porto.

Bologna vs Aston Villa (Getty Images).

Celta Vigo vs Freiburg

Celta Vigo have a mountain to climb, needing 4 goals to beat Freiburg after their 3-0 home win. Freiburg have won 4 of their last 5 matches, their only defeat being by 1 goal to log-leaders Bayern Munich.

Celta Vigo are 6th in La Liga but have lost 3 of their last 4 matches, with their last 2 matches both being 3-0 defeats. Celta Vigo have a good goal-scoring record, but I can’t see them beating Freiburg by 4 goals. I’m backing a tight, low-scoring win for Celta Vigo with both sides scoring.

Aston Villa vs Bologna

After beating Bologna 3-1 on the road I can’t see Villa letting the chance of a semi-final slip. Villa have just 1 defeat in 5, while Bologna have 2 defeats in 4.

Bologna have won their last 7 on the road in a row, averaging 2 goals per game. Villa’s strong season has stuttered of late, with just 2 home wins in their last 6 matches. They haven’t failed to score in their last 7 matches at home, so this should be a high-scoring match.

Betis vs Braga

A tight 1-1 draw in the first leg makes this a compelling clash. Betis haven’t won in their last 4 matches, and have just 1 win in their last 6 matches at home.

Braga have 3 wins and a draw in their last 5 matches, but on the road they have been powerful, winning 4 and drawing 2 of their last 7 matches. I’m backing Braga to take another tight clash, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it goes to extra time.

Notts Forest vs Porto

After a poor run of form in the Premier League relegation battle Forest have added some steel to lose just 1 of their last 7 matches. Porto are enjoying a great run of form, winning 5 in an undefeated run of 8 matches.

The first leg saw Forest pull off a great 1-1 draw, and while I’m a great one for the romanticism of European upsets, I have to back Porto to take the win. Porto have won their last 3 on the road in a row, losing just once in 6. Forest have just 1 home win in 11 matches, so although they will bring the fire at home to boost their confidence for the relegation fight, I think this is their time to exit the competition.

Verdict

Wins for Celta Vigo, Braga and Porto, with goals aplenty between Aston Villa and Bologna.

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