Jadon Sancho scored his first Aston Villa goal as Unai Emery’s side beat Fenerbahce 1-0 to secure direct qualification to the Europa League last 16.
Aston Villa secured direct qualification to the Europa League last 16 with a hard fought 1-0 win over Fenerbahce. Jadon Sancho scored his first goal for the club in a tense contest. The victory ensured Villa finished inside the top eight with one match to spare. Unai Emery’s side showed control and resilience throughout. They handled late pressure to confirm progress.
Villa arrived in Turkey knowing a win would remove any doubt. Emery rotated his side following a league defeat at the weekend. The early tempo suited the visitors despite a loud home atmosphere. Villa moved the ball well in midfield. They also limited Fenerbahce space in transition.
The decisive moment came in the 25th minute. Matty Cash delivered a cross that deflected kindly into the box. Sancho reacted quickest and nodded past Ederson from close range. It was his first goal since joining on loan from Manchester United. Villa’s bench celebrated with clear relief.
The goal settled Villa and frustrated the hosts. Sancho nearly doubled his tally before half time after rounding the goalkeeper. Milan Skriniar recovered superbly to block the effort on the line. Morgan Rogers then saw a follow up effort ruled out after the ball struck the referee. Villa went into the break deservedly ahead.
Fenerbahce increased the pressure after the restart. Villa defended deeper but remained organised. Cash struck the post with a dipping effort from distance. Moments later Marco Bizot denied substitute Talisca with a strong save.
Villa thought they had a second goal midway through the half. Rogers finished a neat move but the effort was ruled out. Ollie Watkins had strayed offside earlier in the phase before it ricocheted in off Ismail Yuksek. The visitors stayed composed despite the setback.
The hosts believed they had equalised with 15 minutes remaining. Kerem Akturkoglu turned in a loose ball amid wild celebrations. Video assistant referee intervention followed. The goal was ruled out for offside against former Villa striker Jhon Duran.
That decision shifted momentum back towards Villa. Emery urged calm from the touchline. Bizot continued to command his area well. Villa saw out the closing minutes with discipline.
Sancho was Villa’s most dangerous attacking outlet throughout. His movement caused repeated problems between the lines. Cash provided width and energy on the right flank. Bizot delivered a composed display in goal in place of Emiliano Martinez.
Tyrone Mings also impressed on his return to the starting lineup. The defender added authority in key moments. Villa balanced possession and control effectively. Emery’s experience in this competition was evident again.
Villa recorded six wins from seven league phase matches. They sit third in the standings and cannot drop out of the top eight. Both sides finished with similar shot totals. Villa edged the expected goals battle by 1.69 to 1.09. The attendance in Istanbul reached 41,414.
Aston Villa host Red Bull Salzburg in their final league phase fixture next Thursday. Emery may rotate with qualification secured. Villa return to Premier League action away at Newcastle on Sunday. Fenerbahce travel to Bucharest to play FCSB needing points to secure a playoff place.
