Aston Villa continued their strong Europa League campaign with a 2-0 triumph over Maccabi Tel Aviv at Villa Park, marking their third win in four group-stage matches.
The breakthrough came just before halftime when Ian Maatsen scored from a tight angle, capitalizing on a slick pass from Morgan Rogers. Despite a lackluster opening 45 minutes with limited intensity, Villa managed to claim the lead. The second goal arrived just before the hour mark, when Donyell Malen confidently converted a penalty after Ezri Konsa was fouled inside the box.
Jadon Sancho sparked the first real chance of the game in the 19th minute, skilfully beating a defender before finding Malen, whose shot was narrowly blocked. However, a misplaced Sancho pass also allowed Maccabi their best chance through Osher Davida, only for Villa’s Emi Martinez and Victor Lindelof to deny the visitors.
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Morgan Rogers impressed with his direct runs and tenacity, drawing a foul from Raz Shlomo and consistently posing problems for the Maccabi midfield. Villa maintained pressure, with Maatsen’s clinical finish placing the home side ahead at halftime.
Maccabi’s Dor Peretz tested Martinez twice early in the second half but was unable to score. Ezri Konsa’s composure and leadership stood out as he won the penalty that Malen confidently dispatched, doubling Villa’s advantage.
Despite some defensive moments requiring intervention, Pau Torres and Konsa held the backline steady, with Boubacar Kamara providing added midfield strength after replacing Torres. Amadou Onana and Lamare Bogarde controlled the midfield well, while Evann Guessand and Sancho provided width and creativity.
Substitutes stepped in to maintain momentum, but Villa saw out the game comfortably, leaving them well placed in the group after wins against Bologna and Feyenoord.
Player Ratings (out of 10):
Emi Martinez – 7
Victor Lindelof – 6
Ezri Konsa – 8*
Pau Torres – 7
Ian Maatsen – 8
Amadou Onana – 7
Lamare Bogarde – 7
Evann Guessand – 6
Morgan Rogers – 7
Jadon Sancho – 7
Donyell Malen – 8
Subs:
Boubacar Kamara – 6
Ollie Watkins – 6
Goals:
Maatsen (45+1’)
Malen (59’)