Breakthrough night! Sancho fires Aston Villa into Europa League last 16

Jadon Sancho enjoyed a landmark evening in Istanbul as his first goal for Aston Villa sealed a crucial Europa League victory over Fenerbahce and confirmed qualification for the last 16 with one match remaining. The winger struck in the 25th minute, reacting quickest to a deflected cross from Matty Cash before guiding a close-range header past Ederson. It was a composed finish that underlined Villa’s control during the opening stages and rewarded a confident start away from home.

That goal proved decisive, though not without late drama. With 15 minutes to play, Fenerbahce believed they had found an equaliser through Kerem Akturkoglu, only for VAR to intervene and rule the effort out for offside in the build-up involving Villa's former player Jhon Duran. The decision preserved Villa’s lead and ensured their sixth win in seven Europa League matches.

Unai Emery made six changes following the Premier League defeat to Everton, yet his side looked well organised and comfortable for long spells. Villa created the clearer chances, with Sancho heavily involved throughout. He was unfortunate not to score again just before half-time when his shot was cleared off the line by Milan Skriniar after being released by Morgan Rogers.

Rogers thought he had capitalised on the rebound, but play was stopped after the ball struck the referee. The forward later had another goal ruled out, once again following an offside involving Sancho in the build-up.

Matty Cash also came close to extending the lead, striking the far post with a dipping effort from distance, while goalkeeper Marco Bizot was called into action to deny substitute Talisca midway through the second half as Fenerbahce pushed forward.

Sancho, making his 19th appearance for Villa since arriving on loan from Manchester United, was one of the standout performers on the night. Although his Premier League starts have been limited, he has become a regular feature in Emery’s Europa League line-up and justified that trust with a lively display full of movement and creativity.

The 25-year-old’s future remains uncertain, with his United contract set to expire next summer, though the club hold an extension option. For now, his focus will be on maintaining momentum in Europe, a competition Emery knows better than most.

With Villa sitting third in the league phase table and guaranteed a place in the top eight, attention can now shift to domestic matters, while confidence continues to grow that this European campaign could yet go a long way.