Aston Villa secured their place in the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday with a 1-0 win at Fenerbahce, while Nottingham Forest slid to a costly defeat away to Braga.
Celtic blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Bologna and leave their qualification hopes hinging on next week’s final round of games as arch-rivals Rangers bowed out despite a first win of the competition. Jadon Sancho’s header midway through the first half in Istanbul earned Villa a sixth victory in seven European games, clinching a spot in the top eight and allowing Unai Emery’s team to bypass the knockout phase play-offs.
Matty Cash struck the post in the second half and Villa held on as goalkeeper Marco Bizot produced a string of key saves with Fenerbahce pushing for an equaliser. “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 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 obviously believes in you. Again, every opportunity I get I’m going to try and do 100% and hopefully I can deliver goals more.” Villa are second in the standings on 18 points and only trail Lyon on goal difference.