Aston Villa secured a top-eight finish in the Europa League after Jadon Sancho's first goal for the club gave them a 1-0 win over Fenerbahce in Turkey. The victory was Villa's sixth from seven European matches this season and ended Fenerbahce's unbeaten home record.
Sancho opened his account in Villa colours in the 25th minute, nodding in from close range after Matty Cash's cross flicked off Ismail Yuksek. The goal put the visitors in control amid a loud atmosphere at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, though Villa had to withstand heavy pressure in the second half.
Goalkeeper Marco Bizot stepped up in the absence of Emi Martinez, making eight saves to preserve the lead. Villa's Morgan Rogers had a goal ruled out for offside, while Fenerbahce also had a goal disallowed by VAR after Kerem Akturkoglu thought he had equalised.
Manager Unai Emery became involved in a touchline spat with Youri Tielemans after the midfielder was substituted in stoppage time. Emery laughed off the incident, saying: 'He's my son.' Emery expressed satisfaction with the result, stating: 'Europa League is important for us and we have got in the top eight.'
In a separate match, 10-man Celtic drew 2-2 at Bologna, with Reo Hatate scoring early before being sent off. Auston Trusty doubled Celtic's lead, but goals from Thijs Dallinga and Jonathan Rowe earned Bologna a point. Celtic remain on eight points ahead of their final group game.
