Aston Villa staged a magnificent second-half revival to overturn a deficit and claim a vital three points against Dutch giants Feyenoord in the Europa League.
The Villans found themselves trailing at Villa Park after Santiago Giménez's first-half strike, but Unai Emery's tactical changes and the introduction of Leon Bailey proved decisive in turning the match on its head.
McGinn Sparks Villa Revival
Captain fantastic John McGinn stepped up when his team needed him most, firing home the equaliser early in the second period to breathe new life into Villa's European campaign. The Scottish international's perfectly timed run and clinical finish sent the Holte End into raptures.
Super Sub Bailey Seals Victory
The game-changing moment arrived when Jamaican winger Leon Bailey entered the fray, making an immediate impact with what proved to be the winning goal. His introduction added fresh impetus to Villa's attack, and his decisive contribution underlined the strength in depth available to manager Unai Emery.
Emery's Tactical Masterstroke
The Spanish manager's decision to bring on Bailey proved inspired, demonstrating the strategic nous that has made him so successful in European competitions. His half-time team talk clearly had the desired effect, with Villa emerging after the break with renewed purpose and intensity.
This hard-fought victory marks a significant moment in Villa's European journey, showing the character and resilience within the squad. Coming from behind against experienced continental opposition will provide a massive confidence boost as they navigate the challenges of Group E.
The result sees Aston Villa get their Europa League campaign back on track after the disappointing opening defeat in Warsaw, setting up an intriguing return fixture in the Netherlands.
