Aston Villa advanced to the UEFA Europa Conference League semifinals after defeating Lille 4-3 in a penalty shootout on Thursday, April 18, 2024. The match at Stade Pierre-Mauroy ended 2-1 in favor of Lille, which leveled the aggregate score at 3-3 after extra time.
Matty Cash scored a crucial 87th-minute goal for Aston Villa to force extra time. Lille's Benjamin André and Yusuf Yazıcı had scored to give the French side a lead on the night. In the shootout, Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez saved two penalties, securing his team's progression.
The victory sets up a semifinal clash with Greek side Olympiacos. The other semifinal will be between Fiorentina and Club Brugge. The final is scheduled for May 29, 2024, at the Agia Sophia Stadium in Athens.
