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Villa Punches Ticket to Europa League Last-16 with a 1-0 Win in Istanbul

22 January 2026

Villa Punches Ticket to Europa League Last-16 with a 1-0 Win in Istanbul
Aston Villa celebrate advancing to the Europa League last-16 after a 1-0 win in Istanbul.

Match recap

Aston Villa booked their place in the Europa League last-16 on Thursday.

The English side beat visiting Fenerbahce 1-0, in the seventh round of the group stage.

With six wins from seven games, Villa moved to 18 points, level with the French leader Lyon on goal difference.

Jadon Sancho headed home the winner in the 25th minute to seal qualification without a playoff.

Holland's Marco Bizot kept the hosts at bay with a string of fine saves.

Punchline: If Villa keep this up, the only thing buzzing more than their midfield will be the fans' phones.

Punchline 2: And if football ever runs a loyalty program, Villa just hit the jackpot—buy one win, get qualification free.

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Emma Amme

I am Emma Amme, an English sports journalist born in 1998. Passionate about astronomy, contemporary dance, and handcrafted woodworking, I share my sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Aston Villa clinch their last-16 spot?

They beat Fenerbahçe 1-0 in Istanbul, finishing with 18 points from seven games to secure direct qualification.

Who scored the winning goal?

Jadon Sancho headed home the winner in the 25th minute.

Did Villa need a playoff to reach the last-16?

No, they qualified automatically for the knockout rounds.