Aston Villa won 1-0 against Fenerbahce yesterday to make it to the final 16 of the Europa League. Celtic, on the other hand, lost a two-goal lead against Bologna, which hurt their chances of making it through.
Jadon Sancho’s header in the middle of the first half in Istanbul gave Villa their sixth win in seven European games. This put them in the top eight and let Unai Emery’s team skip the knockout round play-offs.
In the second half, Matty Cash hit the post, but Villa held on thanks to a series of important saves by goalkeeper Marco Bizot as Fenerbahce pushed for an equalizer.
Sancho, who joined Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United in September, told TNT Sports, “I’m just happy to get my first goal for Aston Villa and to top it off with that, it’s a win.”
“I really do know I can do a lot more.” In that way, I’m really hard on myself.
“It’s great to have a boss who supports you and clearly believes in you.” Again, I’m going to strive to do my best every time I get the chance, and I hope I can reach my goals more often.
Villa is in second place in the rankings with 18 points, although they are behind Lyon on goal difference. Lyon beat Young Boys of Switzerland 1-0 to make sure they made it to the last 16.
Celtic had to settle for a 2-2 draw away to Bologna, which puts them in risk of not making it past the league phase.
Reo Hatate scored early to give Martin O’Neill’s team the lead, but the Japan international was sent off for a second booking on 34 minutes.
Before the break, American defender Auston Trusty scored a second goal for Celtic, but Bologna rallied back with goals from Thijs Dallings and Jonathan Rowe.
Celtic is in 23rd place out of 36 teams, although a few teams that play later on Thursday could pass them. Next week, the Scottish champions will play their last game at home against Utrecht.
“It was a hard thing to ask, but the squad showed their real colors. It’s too bad we didn’t get three points, but it’s a good point. Trusty told TNT Sports.
“It’s something to work with.” Even though things have been unusual lately, this team is just about winning. We tied today, but that’s how we think.
“We lost our way for a while, but now we’re getting back on track.”
Nottingham Forest is trying to win their fourth game in five in Europe when they play Braga in Portugal.
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