Jadon Sancho's header secured a 1-0 victory for Aston Villa over Fenerbahce in the Europa League league phase, ensuring automatic qualification for the last 16. The win came in Istanbul on Thursday, marking manager Unai Emery's 100th match in the competition. An on-pitch clash between Emery and substitute Youri Tielemans added a dramatic touch to the proceedings.
Aston Villa traveled to Istanbul for their Europa League league phase Matchday 7 clash against Fenerbahce, knowing a win would clinch a top-eight finish and direct entry into the round of 16. The Premier League side, third in the English top flight and seven points behind leaders Arsenal, made five changes to their lineup following a domestic defeat to Everton. Absent were goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, midfielders Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn, and Ross Barkley, as well as new signing Alysson. Marco Bizot started in goal, with Victor Lindelof and Tyrone Mings anchoring central defense, Lucas Digne at left-back, and Jadon Sancho on the wing.
Fenerbahce, second in the Turkish Super Lig and a point behind Galatasaray, fielded former Villa striker Jhon Duran alongside Marco Asensio. Injuries sidelined Archie Brown, Levent Mercan, and Sebastian Szymanski, while Matteo Guendouzi, Anthony Musaba, and Mert Gunok were ineligible for the Europa League.
The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Sancho headed in Matty Cash's deflected cross, putting Villa ahead. Fenerbahce pressed late, but Kerem Akturkoglu's strike was ruled out for offside involving Duran, and Morgan Rogers had a goal disallowed after the ball hit the referee. Tielemans, substituted in the 92nd minute, appeared unimpressed, leading to a heated exchange with Emery, who later commented, “He is like my son,” downplaying any rift.
The 1-0 result left Villa five points clear of the play-off spots with one league phase game remaining against Salzburg. Fenerbahce, likely headed for the play-offs, face FCSB next. Emery, reaching his 100th Europa League match, emphasized focus on upcoming fixtures, including Newcastle in the Premier League and Salzburg in Europe. He also hinted at transfer opportunities before the January window closes to strengthen the squad for the Premier League, Europa League, and FA Cup campaigns.
Historically, the teams last met in the 1977 UEFA Cup, with Villa winning 6-0 on aggregate. This victory marks Emery's 62nd in the competition, solidifying Villa's strong European form after qualifying via a sixth-place Premier League finish last season.
