Aston Villa secured their place in the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory away to Fenerbahce, while Celtic’s qualification hopes suffered a setback after blowing a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw against Bologna.
Jadon Sancho’s header midway through the first half in Istanbul proved decisive, earning Villa their sixth win in seven European matches this season. The result confirmed a top-eight finish for Unai Emery’s side, allowing them to bypass the knockout phase play-offs and advance directly to the last 16.
Villa came close to extending their lead in the second half when Matty Cash struck the post, while goalkeeper Marco Bizot produced a series of crucial saves as Fenerbahce pressed for an equaliser late on.
“I’m just happy to get my first goal for Aston Villa and to top it off with that, it’s a win,” Sancho, who joined the club on loan from Manchester United in September, told TNT Sports.
“Honestly, I know I can do a lot more. I’m very hard on myself in that aspect. It’s nice to have a manager that backs you and believes in you. Every opportunity I get, I’m going to give 100 per cent,” he added.
Villa sit second in the standings on 18 points, trailing only Lyon on goal difference. The French side also confirmed their place in the last 16 with a 1-0 win away to Swiss club Young Boys.
Elsewhere, Celtic were held to a 2-2 draw by Bologna after surrendering a commanding position, leaving their progression from the league phase in doubt.
The Scottish champions took an early lead through Reo Hatate, but the Japanese midfielder was sent off for a second booking in the 34th minute. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Celtic doubled their advantage before half-time through American defender Auston Trusty.
Bologna mounted a second-half comeback, however, with goals from Thijs Dallings and Jonathan Rowe securing a share of the spoils.
Celtic now sit 23rd in the 36-team table and could be overtaken by several sides playing later on Thursday. They face a crucial final group match at home to Utrecht next week.
“It was a tough ask but the team showed their true mentality,” Trusty said. “A shame not to get three points, but it’s a good point and something to build on.”
In another fixture, Nottingham Forest are chasing a fourth win in five European outings as Sean Dyche’s side take on Braga in Portugal.
