JAKARTA - Aston Villa qualified for the last 16 of the Europa League automatically after beating Fenerbahce 1-0 in a match at the Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Spor Kompleksi Stadium, Istanbul, Friday, January 23, 2026 WIB. Villa's only goal was scored by Jadon Sancho, a loan player from Manchester United.
Villa had to struggle before conquering Fenerbahce. In that match, Sancho managed to break the deadlock when his header broke into the Fenerbahce goal, which was guarded by former Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson in the 25th minute.
After leading 1-0, Villa actually had the opportunity to add a goal. Only Matty Cash's attempt still hit the goalpost in the second half. Furthermore, Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot who stood under the crossbar replacing Emiliano Martinez made a number of brilliant saves to maintain the lead.
"I'm happy with my first goal for Aston Villa. More importantly, the goal made us win the game," Sancho said as quoted by france24.
"Honestly, I know I can do more [for Villa]," said Sancho, who did not hesitate to praise manager Unai Emery who gave him the opportunity to play.
"It's great when the manager fully supports you and believes in you. When I get the chance, I try to perform 100% and hope to score more goals," he said again.
Villa himself won six victories from seven Europa League matches. The English Premier League team also ranked second with 18 points. The same as Lyon who topped the standings after defeating Young Boys 1-0. Lyon itself lost by a goal difference.
The victory that brought The Villans to the second place also made the team qualify for the 16th round or knockout without having to go through the playoffs.
Nottingham Forest Lose
Meanwhile, another English League team, Nottingham Forest failed to reach the top eight after losing 1-0 against hosts Braga who failed to score in the match.
Forest actually had the opportunity to score points when they were awarded a penalty in the 53rd minute. However, the execution of Morgan Gibbs-White could be saved by the goalkeeper.
Only a minute later, Forest's goal was conceded. Ironically, Braga's goal was caused by Forest captain Ryan Yates' suicide.
Not only did they lose, Forest, who won the Champions Cup [now the Champions League] twice in 1979 and 1980, lost Elliot Anderson who was sent off in injury time.
"The game that frustrated us and made it even crazier was a change in one minute. In that game we never had any trouble at all. You should get a draw and not lose," said Forest manager Sean Dyche.
"They had absolutely no chance [to score]. When there was a crisis in front of the goal, a goal happened," he said.
The defeat means Forest remain in the playoff zone in 16th place. They have 11 points and still have a chance to enter the top eight to qualify automatically if they win the last game. However, the chances are very slim because many teams have the same target in the final match of the qualifying phase.
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