Aston Villa secured a crucial victory over Fenerbahce to reach the last 16 of the Europa League, while Nottingham Forest's dismal display saw them fall to Braga, casting doubt on their qualification hopes.
Villa's Jadon Sancho scored the only goal midway through the first half in Istanbul, giving his team a vital win that clinched a spot among the top eight. The victory marked Aston Villa's sixth triumph in seven European games and ensured they bypassed the knockout phase play-offs.
"We're just happy to get my first goal for Aston Villa and to top it off with that, it's a win," Sancho said in the post-match interview. "I'm very hard on myself... I know I can do a lot more. My manager backs me, and obviously believes in me."
Villa are second in the standings on 18 points, trailing only Lyon by goal difference.
On the other hand, Nottingham Forest's defeat to Braga was a costly one, with the Brazilian side moving up to fifth place. Morgan Gibbs-White had a penalty saved, but Villa's captain Ryan Yates bundled into his own net, handing Forest's hopes of qualification over to chance.
"We've given ourselves a chance – that's all, a chance – of qualifying," said Forest manager Sean Dyche. "My own view is that if we had stayed with 11 men, I think we would have won the game."
Celtic and Rangers also suffered significant setbacks in their quest for qualification. Celtic blew a two-goal lead against Bologna to draw 2-2, while arch-rivals Rangers were eliminated despite their 1-0 victory over Ludogorets.
Roma sealed a spot among the last 16 with a 2-0 win over Stuttgart, their fourth consecutive Europa League triumph.
Villa's Jadon Sancho scored the only goal midway through the first half in Istanbul, giving his team a vital win that clinched a spot among the top eight. The victory marked Aston Villa's sixth triumph in seven European games and ensured they bypassed the knockout phase play-offs.
"We're just happy to get my first goal for Aston Villa and to top it off with that, it's a win," Sancho said in the post-match interview. "I'm very hard on myself... I know I can do a lot more. My manager backs me, and obviously believes in me."
Villa are second in the standings on 18 points, trailing only Lyon by goal difference.
On the other hand, Nottingham Forest's defeat to Braga was a costly one, with the Brazilian side moving up to fifth place. Morgan Gibbs-White had a penalty saved, but Villa's captain Ryan Yates bundled into his own net, handing Forest's hopes of qualification over to chance.
"We've given ourselves a chance – that's all, a chance – of qualifying," said Forest manager Sean Dyche. "My own view is that if we had stayed with 11 men, I think we would have won the game."
Celtic and Rangers also suffered significant setbacks in their quest for qualification. Celtic blew a two-goal lead against Bologna to draw 2-2, while arch-rivals Rangers were eliminated despite their 1-0 victory over Ludogorets.
Roma sealed a spot among the last 16 with a 2-0 win over Stuttgart, their fourth consecutive Europa League triumph.
he's so humble and already looking for ways to improve himself! like he's not satisfied w/ just scoring a goal 
. but honestly, villa's performance in the europa league has been amazing this season 
and 2nd place is still a great achievement considering they're trailing lyon by goal difference 
. He knows he can do more and that's awesome! It's all about learning from our mistakes, right? 
When we fail (and we will), it's not the end of the world... it's just a new chance to try again 
. That's what I take away from Sancho's comment - self-awareness is key! And on the other hand, Nottingham Forest's manager Sean Dyche saying they're 'just giving themselves a chance' 
makes me think about how we can be more positive about our own situations too... instead of focusing on what's not going right 
he's always pushing himself to be better. but ugh, nottingham forest is just so underwhelming right now 
i mean, they had chances to qualify for europa league and they blew it. braga's move up 5th tho is pretty cool, i guess that means they're gonna give villa a run for their money in the next round 
Villa's been doing great in Europe this season, maybe they can carry that momentum into their next match 
those teams that aren't doing well in europa league are making it hard for themselves... like nottingham forest's manager sean dyche is saying they gave themselves a chance of qualifying lol what a cop out 
i love how humble he is too, always talkin about how hard he's gotta push himself to improve 
anyway back 2 forest... they really let this one slip thru their fingers 
guess u cant win 'em all... 
! Aston Villa just sealed a spot among the top eight and I'm super stoked for them 
. But, sorry to say, Nottingham Forest are in trouble 
... their defeat to Braga really cast doubt on their qualification hopes 
. Meanwhile, Roma is on fire 
. Can't wait for the next round of games 
i mean jadon sancho scored that one goal and now villa is 2nd in standings 
they played so well against fenerbahce. nottingham forest tho... 
whats goin on w/ them? braga got the win and now theyre fifth. cant see forest makin' it to last 16 rn 
just saw that Aston Villa won against Fenerbahce and I'm so stoked for them! Jadon Sancho scored that one goal and now they're in the last 16 of the Europa League 
! Sancho's goal was pure magic 
and that win for Villa has given them the boost they needed to reach the last 16. On the other hand, Nottingham Forest are looking a bit dodgy after that draw with Braga - I'm not sure if they can turn their season around now 
! Roma's been on fire this competition, though - 4 wins in a row? That's some serious form 
. Celtic blowing a two-goal lead? Ouch that stings 
, hope they can bounce back from this one! Roma is looking strong too, gotta be careful not to underestimate the competition 
and it's amazing how Villa has bounced back from that tough start to the season 
! He scores that winning goal and suddenly everyone's talking about him 
. I mean, it's awesome for the team that they made it to the last 16 without any drama...unlike Nottingham Forest 
. What's going on with Forest? One minute they're top of the group, next they're on life support 
. Roma is doing well, though! Four straight wins in Europe? That's some serious bragging rights 
Anyway, gotta give credit to Aston Villa for pulling off that win – their layout is on point 
️ from Jadon Sancho