Aston Villa Seal Place In Europa League Last 16 As Celtic Draw In Italy

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With a 1-0 victory over Fenerbahce, Aston Villa moved into the last 16 of the Europa League, while Celtic blew a two-goal lead over Bologna to put their hopes on hold.

In Istanbul, Jadon Sancho’s header midway through the first half gave Villa a sixth victory in seven European games, clinching a spot in the top eight and allowing Unai Emery’s men to avoid the knockout phase play-offs.

On January 22, 2026, Aston Villa’s Dutch goalkeeper #40 Marco Bizot (C) and Aston Villa’s Dutch defender #26 Lamare Bogarde (R) celebrate their victory in Fenerbahce’s Europa League first round day 7 football match at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul. (Photo by Yasin AKGUL/AFP)

In the second half, Matty Cash hit the post, but Villa held on as Fenerbahce pressed for equalizer through goalkeeper Marco Bizot, who made a number of crucial saves.

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Sancho, who signed on loan from Manchester United in September, told TNT Sports, “I’m just happy to get my first goal for Aston Villa and finish it off with a win.”

“Truly, I am aware of my potential.” In that regard, I’m very harsh on myself.

It’s nice to have a manager who supports you and shows genuine belief in you. I’ll try my best, every chance I get, and hopefully I’ll accomplish more goals.

Amadou Onana, a Belgian midfielder for Aston Villa, celebrates winning the Europa League first round day 7 football game between Fenerbahce and Aston Villa on January 22, 2026 at Istanbul’s Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. (Photo by Yasin AKGUL/AFP)

On 18 points, Villa leads only in goal difference behind Lyon, who sits second in the standings. Young Boys secured a spot in the last 16 with a 1-0 victory over Switzerland.

Celtic was forced to accept a 2-2 draw with Bologna, which would have prevented them from leaving the playoffs.

Reo Hatate opened the scoring for Martin O’Neill’s side, but the Japan international was sent off on a second booking in 34 minutes.

Before half-time, Bologna rallied to equalize thanks to goals from Thijs Dallings and Jonathan Rowe from American defender Auston Trusty.

Although Celtic are 23rd in the 36-team standings, a few teams could take the place of them in a later game on Thursday. Next week’s final game between the Scottish champions and Utrecht will be played.

The team showed their true mentality despite it being a difficult ask. It’s unfortunate not to receive three points, Trusty told TNT Sports.

It should be a foundation, not a foundation. Although there has been an odd period, this team is all about winning. Today we were tied, but that’s how it’s going.

“We temporarily lost our way, but we are now finding our way back.”

With the Portugal matchup between Sean Dyche’s men and Nottingham Forest, the Tigers are competing for a fourth win in five in Europe.