Aston Villa secured a hard-fought 2-1 win against FC Basel at St. Jakob-Park on Thursday night, continuing their impressive run of form in Europe.
The match began with Basel taking an early lead through Evann Guessand, who finished calmly inside the box in the 12th minute after Villa failed to clear a corner. However, Villa responded before halftime when Flavius Daniliuc converted from Xherdan Shaqiri’s well-delivered free-kick, leveling the score.
After the break, Villa’s midfield maestro Youri Tielemans came off the bench to score the decisive goal. Assisted by Emi Buendia, Tielemans fired a precise shot past Basel’s goalkeeper Marwin Hitz from the edge of the box, sealing the victory.
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Villa manager Unai Emery, who rested some players following their recent intense fixture schedule, praised his squad’s resilience: “It’s difficult to beat them here. Our players fought hard, and the changes we made paid off. Tielemans has been crucial, and the team’s spirit remains strong.”
Tielemans, signed on a free transfer, continues to be a standout performer. Now a senior figure in the dressing room, his leadership and skill have greatly contributed to Villa’s ascent, turning narrow chances into vital points.
Among the crowd was former Villa manager Dean Smith, witnessing the development of players he once signed thriving under Emery’s guidance. Co-owner Nassef Sawiris also drew enthusiastic cheers from the Villa away fans when his image appeared on the big screen, signaling his clear connection with the club and supporters.
Interestingly, tennis legend Roger Federer was in attendance, closely watching his hometown team Basel.
Villa’s defensive line adapted well without Pau Torres, who missed the game due to injury, with Victor Lindelof stepping in admirably. Lindelof excelled in defense, completing a remarkable 82 of 85 passes and making several crucial clearances, showcasing his versatility across multiple positions.
Villa’s commitment and team unity were evident throughout the match as they managed to secure a valuable win on foreign soil, further cementing their reputation with 14 wins in their last 16 fixtures. With players like Tielemans leading the charge and strong backing from club leadership, Villa looks poised for continued success this season.