Aston Villa qualify for Europa League round of 16

Aston Villa’s place in the UEFA Europa League round of 16 is secure with a game to spare, after Thursday night’s 1-0 victory over Fenerbahçe.

Jadon Sancho’s first goal in Villa colours was enough to tie up all three points for Unai Emery’s men on Matchday Seven, as he headed Matty Cash’s cross home on 25 minutes.

And the win – coupled with results elsewhere – means that only a maximum of five teams can now overtake the second-placed Villans in the league phase table, ensuring the lowest they can mathematically finish is seventh.

A top eight spot sends Emery’s charges straight through to the round of 16, skipping the last 32 play-off round which will be contested in February.

It is the second season running the Villans have secured a top eight finish in European competition and progressed straight through to the last 16, after finishing eighth in last season’s Champions League table before eventually reaching the quarter-finals.

UTV! 💜