One stat for the eight Europa League quarter-finalists after the first legs as Freiburg cruise

14 - Braga could not maintain their lead from the opening half against Real Betis, with Florian Grillitchs initial effort neutralised by Cucho Hernandezs spot-kick shortly after the hour. The game concluded level at 1-1 in Portugal, leaving the outcome uncertain for the return fixture in Seville come next Thursday.

Braga have thrived throughout their UEFA Europa League campaign this term, managing to score in every encounter bar two. When playing at home, they have netted in all 14 of their most recent outings, a sequence that dates back to the previous season.

4 - Real Betis, aiming for back-to-back European finals following their appearance in last springs Conference League decider, found themselves under pressure at the start of the second half prior to winning the penalty. That strike might just be decisive, particularly as they will welcome Braga to their ground for the second leg.

Los Verdiblancos quest to advance further than ever before in the competition remains in question. That being so, Betis have failed to secure victory in their past four away ties during knockout stages (0 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss).

9 - Freiburg emerged as the standout performers over the round, delivering another solid display on home soil to defeat Celta Vigo 3-0. The German outfit now eye a maiden semi-final appearance, provided they hold firm in the away leg in Spain next week.

This marked their third clash with Spanish sides, and Freiburg claimed their initial triumph in such a matchup. Much like various remaining European contenders, the Breisgau-Brasilianer have shone domestically. Across history, they have preserved nine shutouts in home European fixtures.

13 - Celta experienced a thoroughly dismal outing, conceding three goals in a single game at an inopportune moment, a feat they have repeated seven times in European competitions.

Six such instances occurred away from home. Even more concerning, unlike their other UEFA Europa League outings this season, Celta drew a blank offensively, halting a streak of 13 consecutive European matches where they found the net.

16 - Porto, the other Portuguese side at this juncture, finished 1-1 against Nottingham Forest on home turf. Despite opening the scoring, the Dragões held the upper hand for just two minutes until Martim Fernandes inadvertently scored an own goal.

It was particularly frustrating for the home side, given the abundance of chances they generated to clinch all three points. In total, Porto registered 16 shots, close to three times as many as their opponents managed.

3 - Nottingham Forest head into the second leg at the City Ground with greater optimism than Porto. The Tricky Trees generated far fewer opportunities than their rivals but depart with belief in their ability to move forward.

Progression would equal their finest spell in the UEFA Cup or Europa League, last accomplished in 1983/84. They have recorded three draws in European fixtures this season, all away, and remain undefeated in three road knockout ties (2 wins, 1 draw).

1 - Bologna stood alone as the sole home side to suffer defeat in this round, an outcome that feels somewhat fitting. Under Vincenzo Italiano, the team lost 3-1 to overwhelming favourites Aston Villa, rendering their path to a first semi-final in 27 years considerably steeper.

I Rossoblu created ample scoring opportunities, registering 19 attempts compared to Villas 8, yet they now face an uphill battle. This result handed Bologna their debut home reversal in the tournament, snapping a 20-match unbeaten run.

8 - Ollie Watkins double in the latter stages sealed the win for Aston Villa at Stadio Renato DallAra, positioning them on the brink of a second European semi-final within three years. Unai Emerys charges were ruthlessly effective upfront, securing the points.

Success has defined Villas UEFA Europa League form this season, with 10 triumphs from 11 games. Moreover, this marks their eighth successive victory, the longest streak in any UEFA club tournament in their history.