Aston Villa 4-2 Celtic
Hat-trick hero steals the show as Villa storm into the Champions League last 16
Morgan Rogers delivered a stunning hat-trick as Aston Villa secured their place in the Champions League last 16 with a thrilling 4-2 win over Celtic.
Unai Emery’s side got off to a dream start, with Rogers striking twice inside the opening five minutes. But Celtic fought back, as Adam Idah netted twice before halftime to level the score.
Ollie Watkins, who was the subject of a £60m bid from Arsenal before the match, put Villa back in front on the hour mark. However, he had a night to forget in front of goal, missing a penalty and squandering several chances. Fortunately for Villa, those misses didn’t prove costly.
Watkins redeemed himself in stoppage time by setting up Rogers for his third goal, sealing an unforgettable night for the young forward and ensuring Villa’s place in the knockout rounds.
Goalkeeper & Defence
- Emiliano Martinez: Had little chance with Celtic’s goals but didn’t quite look his usual commanding self. Villa will need him at his best as the competition progresses.
- Matty Cash: Played only 30 minutes but was solid in his time on the pitch. His absence forced a defensive reshuffle that caused Villa some problems.
- Ezri Konsa: Struggled to impose himself and lost track of Idah for Celtic’s equalizer, in what was a difficult night for Villa’s makeshift backline.
- Boubacar Kamara: Looked comfortable distributing the ball from centre-back, but Villa missed his presence in midfield. The defensive setup left them vulnerable at times.
- Lucas Digne: Had difficulties defensively but played an important pass in the buildup to Villa’s opener.
Midfield
- Lamare Bogarde: Started brightly in midfield and contributed to Villa’s fast start. Struggled when forced to play right-back, which isn’t his natural position.
- Youri Tielemans: A calming presence at the base of midfield, kept Villa ticking and helped steady the team when Celtic mounted their comeback.
- Morgan Rogers: The standout performer. Took his first two goals brilliantly—one a clinical finish inside the box, the other a superb long-range strike. Capped off a perfect night with his hat-trick goal in stoppage time.
Attack
- Leon Bailey: The quietest of Villa’s attackers, rarely involved in the key moments as most of the action came down the opposite flank.
- Ollie Watkins: A rollercoaster night. Scored the crucial third goal to put Villa ahead but missed a penalty and wasted other good chances. His assist for Rogers’ hat-trick goal, however, was a nice touch to end the night.
- Jacob Ramsey: Continued his strong form, setting up Rogers’ opener and Watkins’ goal. His return to fitness is a massive boost for Villa as they enter a hectic schedule.
With this victory, Villa not only confirmed their place in the last 16 but also sent a message that they are ready to compete with Europe’s best.
