Aston Villa routs Nottingham Forest to reach Europa League final against Freiburg

LONDON: (May 8) John McGinn scored twice as Aston Villa routed Nottingham Forest 4-0 in the Europa League to reach its first major European final in 44 years.

McGinn’s second-half goals on Thursday were almost identical left-footed shots from the edge of the area to cap a dominant display at Villa Park in the second leg of the all-English semifinal to the delight of roaring fans, including Prince William, who joined in singing “Sweet Caroline” after the final whistle.

Villa advanced 4-1 on aggregate and will face German club Freiburg in the May 20 final in Istanbul. Freiburg beat 10-man Braga 3-1 on Thursday to advance 4-3 on aggregate.