Jadon Sancho's first-half header secured Aston Villa's place in the Europa League last 16, as they defeated Fenerbahce 1-0 in Turkey on Thursday. The win, Villa's sixth in seven European matches this season, guaranteed them a top-eight finish in the league stage, allowing Unai Emery's side to bypass the knockout phase play-offs.
The match was played in a loud atmosphere at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium. Aston Villa had to deal with several injury problems this week, testing their mettle in the second period. Goalkeeper Marco Bizot stepped up in the absence of Emi Martínez, making eight saves to keep their lead safe.
Villa started the match lively, with Morgan Rogers' backheel setting up Ollie Watkins, but his shot was blocked by Mert Muldur. In the 25th minute, some neat play resulted in Matty Cash's cross being deflected off Ismail Yuksek onto the head of Sancho, who headed the ball past Ederson. It was Sancho's first goal in Villa colors. Villa could have doubled their advantage before halftime when Rogers found Sancho, but Milan Skriniar made a heroic block.
After the break, Bizot made a stunning save to deny substitute Talisca from close range. Morgan Rogers had a goal disallowed for offside. Fenerbahce also had a goal disallowed after a VAR review when Kemer Akturkoglu scored, but Jhon Duran was offside.
Aston Villa are currently third in the standings with 15 points, tied with Lyon and Midtjylland. Jadon Sancho, who joined Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United in the summer of 2025, has been given more opportunities in the Europa League.
The 25-year-old Sancho previously played for Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United and Chelsea. He is now only the second English player to score in major European competitions for four different teams, after Peter Crouch. Sancho is also one of only three Englishmen to score in major European competitions in each of the last eight seasons since 2018-19, along with Harry Kane and Phil Foden.
Aston Villa's next Europa League match is against Fenerbahce on January 22, 2026.
