Aston Villa's European push continues as Youri Tielemans' classy goal sealed a 2-1 win in Basel, keeping his side on track for a Champions League spot.
The Belgian midfielder scored in the 20th minute after Evann Guessand had given Villa an early lead, only to be cancelled out by Léo Leroy's equalizer. However, Tielemans' first-time finish regained the lead eight minutes later and proved decisive.
Unai Emery was thrilled with his team's performance, which marked a 14th victory in their last 16 matches. The manager praised the rotation of players, saying it created opportunities for those on the bench to shine.
Basel, meanwhile, were left frustrated after struggling to contain Villa's attacking play. The Swiss side had won their previous seven home matches in this competition, but Villa's defense held firm under Marco Bizot's watchful eye.
Emery acknowledged that the Europa League is an important competition for his team, but stressed that their priority remains the Premier League. "The Europa League is very important for us, but we can't stop," he said. "We have to be consistent and get in the top eight."
Villa are now third on 15 points after a fifth win from six matches. The margin between them and Lyon at the top of the table remains just five points, with Red Star Belgrade trailing in 17th place.
The victory was made all the more sweet by Basel's recent form, having won their previous seven home matches in this competition. Villa manager Emery has a reputation for turning sides around, and his team's win will only fuel their hopes of making it to the Champions League.
The Belgian midfielder scored in the 20th minute after Evann Guessand had given Villa an early lead, only to be cancelled out by Léo Leroy's equalizer. However, Tielemans' first-time finish regained the lead eight minutes later and proved decisive.
Unai Emery was thrilled with his team's performance, which marked a 14th victory in their last 16 matches. The manager praised the rotation of players, saying it created opportunities for those on the bench to shine.
Basel, meanwhile, were left frustrated after struggling to contain Villa's attacking play. The Swiss side had won their previous seven home matches in this competition, but Villa's defense held firm under Marco Bizot's watchful eye.
Emery acknowledged that the Europa League is an important competition for his team, but stressed that their priority remains the Premier League. "The Europa League is very important for us, but we can't stop," he said. "We have to be consistent and get in the top eight."
Villa are now third on 15 points after a fifth win from six matches. The margin between them and Lyon at the top of the table remains just five points, with Red Star Belgrade trailing in 17th place.
The victory was made all the more sweet by Basel's recent form, having won their previous seven home matches in this competition. Villa manager Emery has a reputation for turning sides around, and his team's win will only fuel their hopes of making it to the Champions League.
I'm loving how Aston Villa is on fire right now! 
They've got such a great squad and it's amazing to see them playing so cohesively. Youri Tielemans' goal was just pure class, you know? 
The way he slots that ball past the goalie like it's nobodies business... I mean, I'm biased as a parent, but it reminds me of when my kid lands that tricky jump shot in soccer practice 
. Anyway, back to Villa - they really need to keep this momentum going if they want to make the top 8. And Emery's right, the Europa League is important, but let's be real, the Premier League is where it's at! 
! That goal by Youri Tielemans was just incredible 
. It's not easy to come back from being cancelled out 8 minutes later, but they never gave up and proved their spirit 
! Basel might have been frustrated, but Villa showed us all what they're capable of 
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! He just kept calm and cool, like he always does, and slotted that one home. I mean, Villa were already ahead after Guessand's goal, but they needed someone to really seal the deal, and Tielemans delivered. Emery's strategy of rotating players is paying off big time – it's great to see the bench guys getting some game time and contributing to the win 
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. I mean, seven losses? That's not how you build a reputation as a contender. Villa, on the other hand, are looking solid, and if they keep this up, they'll be in the Champions League for sure 
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️. The fact they can get wins with different lineups and still perform well under pressure says a lot about the squad's depth.
. 15 points after six matches is not bad at all...
basil's form is def on the desnd, gotta step up their game if they wanna catch villa. Europa league is lookin good 2 b an amazin secodary comp but lets be real premier league r where its at 
He scores that equalizer just when you think Basel are gonna take it 1-1. And what's up with Basel? I mean, they're a great team and all, but Villa really showed them who's boss. Unai Emery's rotation system seems to be working for him - it's awesome to see players getting game time and making the most of it! 
! Tielemans' goal was, like, totally classy 
. Emery's rotation of players is really paying off, and it's awesome to see his bench players getting a chance to shine 
. I'm loving how consistent they're being, 14 wins in 16 matches? 
That's what I call a strong team spirit! 
! I mean, their European push is looking super strong right now! Tielemans' goal was absolute class 
. The rotation of players has been a game-changer for them, and it's awesome to see the bench players getting opportunities to shine 
️. I'm loving their consistency in the Premier League too - 15 points from six matches is no joke 
. Of course, they've still got to keep an eye on Lyon at the top, but Villa's pace is making it hard for anyone to catch up 
. Emery's got a reputation for turning teams around, and this win over Basel will only fuel their hopes of getting into the Champions League 
. But Tielemans saved the day with that beautiful goal in the 20th minute 
. I love how Unai Emery is praising his team's rotation, it shows he trusts his players 
. And Villa's defense was solid, Marco Bizot did a great job 
. I'm so hyped for them now, they're really pushing for that Champions League spot 
