Conference League favourites Aston Villa are the final English club remaining in Europe as they topped Lille in the quarterfinals of the third-tier continental competition.
Unai Emery's side overcame Ajax with a convincing 4-0 victory in the second leg of their last-16 tie, and continued their impressive campaign hoping to conclude with European silverware.
The Villains are currently fifth in the Premier League and are competing to secure their place in either the Europa League or Champions League next season, but winning this tournament would guarantee them a place regardless of table finish.
The Sporting News takes a look back at their matchup with Lille, along with the schedule for the rest of the competition.
MORE: Will 5th place in the Premier League be in the Champions League next season?
Are Aston Villa playing in the Europa Conference League this week?
Aston Villa were victorious against Lille at home in the first leg of their quarterfinal tie, and while they were bested in France in the second leg, they managed to advance on a penalty shootout.
The shootout victory secured passage to the semifinals, where Villa will take on Greek side Olympiacos with a spot in the final on the line.
UEFA Europa Conference League quarter final draw 2024
Here is how the UEFA Europa Conference League quarterfinals will play out.
Tie | First leg | Second leg |
Club Brugge 3-0 PAOK | 1-0 | 0-2 |
Olympiacos 3-3 Fenerbahce Olympiacos adv. 3-2 on pens | 3-2 | 1-0 |
Aston Villa 3-3 Lille Aston Villa adv. 4-3 on pens | 2-1 | 2-1 |
Viktoria Plzen 2-0 Fiorentina | 0-0 | 2-0 |
UEFA Europa Conference League semifinal draw
With the quarterfinals concluded, we already know the path the remaining sides will take to the final, as the draw set the remainder of the bracket through the final in late May.
Tie | First leg | Second leg |
Aston Villa vs. Olympiacos | May 2 | May 9 |
Fiorentina vs. Club Brugge | May 2 | May 9 |
When are the UEFA Europa Conference League semifinals?
The first legs of the semifinals are on May 2, 2024, with the second legs on May 9, 2024.
When and where is the UEFA Europa Conference League final?
This year's final will take Athens, Greece. The final is on May 29 at the AEK Arena