Lucas Digne has made Aston Villa’s Europa League ambitions crystal clear ahead of their semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest, insisting the club have only one target left in the competition: winning it.
Aston Villa face Forest in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on 30 April 2026, with Unai Emery’s side now just two matches away from a European final.
While Villa remain locked in a tight Premier League race for Champions League qualification, Digne says their focus in Europe is just as sharp.
Speaking to Foot Mercato, the French defender delivered a strong message about the club’s mindset heading into one of their biggest nights of the season.
Lucas Digne makes Aston Villa’s Europa League ambition clear
Villa head into the tie as favourites.
Their domestic form has been strong enough to keep them in the Premier League’s top-four race, and Emery’s European record continues to make them one of the most dangerous teams left in the competition.
For Digne, there is no hesitation about the objective.
Winning the Europa League is now a genuine target.
“We’re in the Europa League semi-finals, and we have only one ambition: to win the competition.” — Lucas Digne, via Foot Mercato
That confidence reflects the mood inside Villa Park.
Under Emery, Aston Villa have built momentum in Europe while maintaining consistency in one of the toughest Premier League campaigns in recent memory.
Digne also highlighted Emery’s experience, pointing to the manager’s long-standing success in European competition.
Champions League qualification still driving Aston Villa season
As much as the Europa League matters, Villa’s Premier League objective remains huge.
A top-four finish would secure Champions League football for next season, something central to the club’s wider project under Emery.
Digne acknowledged that challenge.
With just weeks left in the season, Villa are balancing two major objectives at once.
“Our main objective is Champions League qualification, an extremely difficult goal to achieve in the Premier League.” — Lucas Digne, via Foot Mercato
That honesty reflects the reality.
The Premier League race remains tight, and Villa know any slip could change the picture quickly.
However, their European run offers another route to silverware and added momentum.
Lucas Digne says fitness remains strong at key stage
One of the major concerns for clubs competing on multiple fronts is fatigue.
But Digne says that is not affecting him.
In fact, the 32-year-old believes this stage of the season brings out his best football.
That could be important for Emery, especially with squad rotation becoming critical.
| Lucas Digne (2025/26) | Record |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 42 |
| Assists | 8 |
| Europa League appearances | 11 |
| Position | Left-back |
source: sofascore match data – 30 April 2026
His experience could prove valuable over the next few weeks, especially in high-pressure knockout football.
Having followed Villa closely this season, Digne’s consistency has been one of the foundations of Emery’s balance on the left side.
Still, much will depend on how Villa manage both competitions in the final month.
Key insights
- Lucas Digne says Aston Villa’s Europa League aim is to win the competition
- Villa face Nottingham Forest in the semi-final first leg on 30 April 2026
- Champions League qualification remains the club’s main domestic objective
- Unai Emery’s European experience remains a major advantage
- Digne says he feels in top form despite the demanding schedule
What’s next?
Aston Villa’s immediate focus is the Europa League semi-final first leg against Nottingham Forest, with a place in the final now within reach.
At the same time, Premier League fixtures remain crucial in the top-four battle.
The next two weeks could define Villa’s season.
Progress in Europe and strong league results would put Emery’s side in a position to achieve both major targets.
However, squad management will be critical.
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