Aston Villa beat Fenerbahce 1-0 to seal Europa League last 16 spot
Aston Villa secured a place in the Europa League last 16 with a 1-0 win at Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Thursday, January 22. Jadon Sancho’s header midway through the first half earned Villa their sixth win in seven European games, ensuring they finish in the top eight and skip the knockout play-offs. Villa are second in the 36-team standings on 18 points, tied with Lyon on points but trailing on goal difference. Lyon also won 1-0 at Young Boys to confirm their last-16 qualification. Meanwhile, Celtic blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Bologna, leaving their qualification hopes in jeopardy. Celtic, managed by Martin O’Neill, led through Reo Hatate’s early goal and an Auston Trusty strike before being reduced to 10 men when Hatate was sent off for a second booking. Bologna fought back with goals from Thijs Dallings and Jonathan Rowe, leaving Celtic 23rd in the table and at risk of being overtaken by teams playing later. Celtic host Utrecht in their final game next week. In other Europa League action, Nottingham Forest were set to face Braga in Portugal in a bid for a fourth win in five European matches.