Aston Villa fans were ecstatic as their team made it into the round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League, Softfootball reports.
Jadon Sancho scored the winner as Aston Villa defeated Fenerbahçe 1-0 away from home to secure the all-important victory in the Match-Day 7 of the competition. Unai Emery’s men competed in the Champions League last season and their goal is getting back into the competition by winning the Europa League if they miss out qualifying from the premier league.
Aston Villa, who recently recalled Leon Bailey from his AS Roma loan celebrated the win over Fenerbahçe with fans via their official X handle. They posted:
JOB DONE IN ISTANBUL 🙌 #UEL
An excited Villa fan, @alex_sk14 congratulated the team for the team with special praise for the goalkeeper on the night, Marco Bizot.
Aston Villa seal the deal in Istanbul! Job done with a gritty 1-0 win over Fenerbahçe in the #UEL – Sancho’s early header does the damage, Bizot rocks it in goal, and we’re through to the last 16. Massive away performance against a tough crowd. Up the Villa! 🙌🟣 #AVFC.
Another fan, @sidch947 said:
Aston Villa celebrates a hard-fought 1-0 away win against Fenerbahçe in the Europa League, with players hugging in joy at full time in Istanbul’s Ülker Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium on January 22, 2026.
@stebuk15 feels the win was worth it because it was against one of the toughest opponents in the tournament.
Great result. So wasteful up front so many chances could of been well clear, watkins no confidence at all cant beat a man. But take the 3 points against one of the best teams in the competition.
@Porsalin believes their defensive solidity helped them win the game.
Brilliant stuff. Solid defensive job – very composed and mature all round. Frustrating at the far end of the field with attacking profligacy once again on show from the usual suspects. But so far it’s been a terrific European campaign.
@3ikepacker says the win was achieved without key figures due to injuries.
Key players missing, winning at a very tricky ground against an opponent that has well know threat…Unai and the lads doing 21st Century Villa things. 💜🩵
Here is Aston Villa’s manager, Unai Emery talking about the match shared via a video on the club’s official X handle. Watch below.
“Thankful to our 2000 supporters” 💜
The Boss on a hard-fought victory in Europe ✊ pic.twitter.com/wMl01MW8fV
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 22, 2026@chazlittlej highlighted Villa’s missed chances but was happy with the win.
Fantastic win and performance at a really tough place to go. Could have had any number of goals on the break if we’d made better decisions. Onwards.
After the Europa League Match-Day 7, Aston Villa occupy the second spot on the table with 18 points, same as leaders Lyon while Fenerbahçe sit 18th with 11points.
