Nottingham Forest and SC Braga took first-leg leads in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals on May 1, 2026, with narrow victories over Aston Villa and SC Freiburg that give them the edge ahead of next week’s return legs, according to Qatar News Agency. The English club won 1-0 at home while the Portuguese side prevailed 2-1, setting the stage for tense deciders in the knockout competition.
Qatar News Agency detailed that Demir Tiknaz and Mario Dorgeles were on target for Braga, with Dorgeles finding the net in stoppage time to secure the victory after Vincenzo Grifo had leveled for Freiburg. The late goal in the first leg at the Estadio Municipal de Braga could prove significant as the sides prepare for the return. The agency noted the result provides Braga with a one-goal cushion for the trip to Germany.
The German side now faces the task of overcoming that deficit in the second leg if it is to progress. UEFA.com coverage of the match showed an evenly balanced contest until the final moments. Braga’s ability to score late reflects their competitive spirit displayed across the season.
In Nottingham, Chris Wood’s penalty on 71 minutes proved the difference as Forest defeated Villa 1-0 in front of their supporters. This result marks a notable achievement for the hosts in their European run. QNA’s dispatch from the match underlined the importance of keeping a clean sheet against a strong Villa attack.
ESPN’s review of the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League league phase placed Aston Villa in second position with 21 points, just behind leaders Lyon. The standings highlight the high level of competition the clubs have navigated to reach this stage. Villa will seek to use home advantage in the return fixture to reverse the first-leg outcome.
The return legs are due to take place on May 7, 2026, with Freiburg hosting Braga and Aston Villa entertaining Nottingham Forest. These encounters will decide the two teams that contest the final later this month. The format of the competition has seen a league phase involving 36 teams prior to these knockout stages.
