First Goal Seals Qualification with Game to Spare
Jadon Sancho opened his Aston Villa account with a close-range header in the 25th minute to give his side a hard-fought 1-0 win over Fenerbahce in Istanbul. Matty Cash’s deflected cross fell perfectly for Sancho who nodded past goalkeeper Ederson to secure the three points.
The victory marks Villa’s sixth win from seven Europa League matches this season placing them third in the league phase table. They can no longer finish outside the top eight guaranteeing direct qualification to the last 16 with one game remaining.
Unai Emery made six changes from the Premier League defeat to Everton including a first start for Tyrone Mings since November and a late return for Amadou Onana from injury. The manager reached his 100th Europa League match in charge a competition he has won a record four times.
Tense Finish and VAR Intervention
Fenerbahce pushed hard in the closing stages and thought they had equalised through Kerem Akturkoglu with 15 minutes left. However VAR ruled out the goal for an offside against former Villa striker Jhon Duran in the build-up.
Villa created the better chances overall. Sancho nearly doubled his tally just before half-time rounding Ederson after a through ball from Morgan Rogers but his shot was blocked on the line by Milan Skriniar. Rogers then had a goal disallowed because the ball struck the referee before reaching him.
In the second half Rogers had another effort ruled out for offside after Sancho squared the ball. Matty Cash struck the far post with a dipping 25-yard shot while substitute Talisca forced a fine save from Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot.
Sancho Shines in Hostile Atmosphere
Sancho now in his 19th appearance for Villa since joining on loan from Manchester United in September has started the last five Europa League games. Alongside Morgan Rogers he proved Villa’s most dangerous creative force in a hostile Turkish atmosphere constantly appearing in dangerous positions.
The 25-year-old was unlucky not to add a second goal or an assist. His United contract expires next summer with an option for extension but he has not played for them since August 2024 spending time on loan at Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea previously.
Emery showed frustration with Youri Tielemans gesturing toward the Belgian as he was substituted in stoppage time but overall the night belonged to Villa who continue their impressive European campaign under the Spanish manager.
