Aston Villa’s 1-0 win at Fenerbahçe, courtesy of Jadon Sancho and a string of Marco Bizot saves, strengthens their Europa League bid. Punters may favour Villa to progress and consider low-scoring markets (under 2.5) or goalkeeper saves specials in similar away ties; Celtic’s comeback draw suggests both-teams-to-score bets could be attractive in their next fixture.
Aston Villa edge Fenerbahçe to seal top-eight Europa League finish
Aston Villa claimed a vital 1-0 victory at Fenerbahçe as Jadon Sancho’s first-half header settled a tense Group stage tie in Turkey. The result was Villa’s sixth win in seven European outings this season and ended Fenerbahçe’s long home unbeaten run, keeping Villa firmly in control of their Europa League destiny.
Sancho header and Bizot brilliance
Sancho opened his account for Villa with a precise header after Matty Cash’s cross flicked on via Ismail Yüksek. The visitors were forced to defend deep after the interval as injuries limited options, but goalkeeper Marco Bizot produced eight crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet in the absence of the usual number one. VAR intervened twice to rule out goals at both ends, including a disallowed Fenerbahçe equaliser.
Tactical takeaways
Villa looked lively early, creating clear chances through Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers, but had to rely on defensive resilience and moments of individual quality. The tight scoreline underlines Villa’s efficiency in away European ties and their ability to grind out results when under pressure.
Celtic held to 2-2 draw by Bologna after red card drama
Celtic saw a two-goal lead evaporate to draw 2-2 with Bologna despite competing for a knockout spot. Reo Hatate opened the scoring but was sent off after two quick yellow cards, leaving Celtic to cling on after Bologna mounted a massive second-half recovery.
From promising start to late scramble
Auston Trusty doubled Celtic’s lead before the interval, but Bologna flooded forward in the second half and pulled level through Thijs Dallinga and Jonathan Rowe. Celtic’s point keeps them on eight points ahead of the final group game, with qualification still in their hands at Parkhead.
Lyon, Freiburg secure progression with narrow wins
Lyon edged Young Boys 1-0 thanks to Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ stoppage-time strike, a result that confirmed their place in the next round. Freiburg also booked progress after Igor Matanović’s late goal gave them a 1-0 victory over Maccabi Tel-Aviv.
Late drama across other groups
SK Brann were rescued to a 3-3 draw by Joachim Soltvedt’s 100th-minute penalty against Midtjylland, while Real Betis’ strong campaign was dented by a 2-0 defeat at PAOK, a result that complicates their group standing.
Competition implications
Several groups tightened as late goals and VAR decisions influenced outcomes. Teams that relied on narrow wins will likely approach final matchdays with conservative tactics, making unders/low-scoring markets and goalkeeper-related props worth watching for bettors.
Emery’s side win 1-0 against Fenerbahce.
Ten-man Celtic hold on for point at Bologna.
Aston Villa secured a top-eight finish in the Europa League after Jadon Sancho’s first-half header gave them a 1-0 victory over Fenerbahce in Turkey.
Villa’s win was their sixth from seven European matches this season and brought Fenerbahce’s unbeaten record at home to an end in the process.
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Sancho opened his account in Villa colours to put the visitors in the driving seat amid a loud Sukru Saracoglu Stadium atmosphere. Continue reading...
The Guardian
