Aston Villa dominated Ajax in a lively Villa Park atmosphere to advance to the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League, marking their first venture into the final eight of a prominent European tournament since 1998.
Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey, substitute Jhon Duran, and Moussa Diaby secured a well-deserved triumph for Villa supporters in a memorable evening.
Following a goalless draw in the initial leg in the Netherlands, Watkins netted his 22nd club goal of the season across all competitions with a superb header from Douglas Luiz’s corner in the 25th minute. Unfortunately, the England striker, who had been named earlier in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for the Wembley friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, had to leave the pitch due to injury in the 33rd minute.
Despite a near equalizer from Ajax just before halftime, Matty Cash made a crucial clearance off the line to deny Brian Brobbey’s attempt, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez beaten.
Ajax, led by England midfielder Jordan Henderson in his first club match in the country since departing Liverpool last summer for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq before moving to Ajax in January, suffered a setback as Henderson lost possession in the lead-up to Villa’s second goal. Bailey displayed remarkable skill, executing two stepovers to create space before finding the net.
Ajax’s hopes further dwindled when midfielder Sivert Mannsverk received a red card for two bookable offenses in the 66th minute. Duran then unleashed a powerful shot for Villa’s third goal, with the ball hitting the underside of the crossbar before crossing the line. Diaby sealed Villa’s victory with a fourth goal nine minutes from time.
The draw for the Europa Conference League quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final is scheduled for Friday, 15 March, starting from 13:00 GMT at Uefa’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. Live text commentary will be available on the BBC Sport website.
Euro star Emery guides Villa to memorable night
Unai Emery boasts an impressive track record in the Europa League, having clinched the title on four occasions throughout his career: thrice with Sevilla in 2014, 2015, and 2016, and once with Villarreal in 2021. Additionally, he guided Arsenal to the final in 2019.
His success story continues at Villa, where he inherited a team teetering on the brink of relegation from the Premier League when he replaced Steven Gerrard. Emery’s tenure saw a remarkable turnaround, with Villa climbing from the depths of the relegation zone to a respectable seventh place in the league standings. Under his guidance, the club returned to European competition after a 13-year absence.
Despite their illustrious history as European Cup winners in 1982, Villa hadn’t advanced to a major European quarter-final since their exit on away goals against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Cup 26 years ago.
Emery acknowledged the significance of the match, describing it as “another wonderful opportunity against one of the biggest and most historic clubs in European football,” emphasizing the importance of Villa Park in such occasions.
The atmosphere was electric, with a sold-out stadium witnessing a pre-game interactive live show, pitchside flame-throwers, and fireworks, all contributing to the fervor among the home fans. Villa showcased their dominance throughout the match, with Bailey and Diaby threatening before Watkins found the net.
Watkins, although enduring a momentary setback due to an injury sustained while challenging the visiting goalkeeper, displayed resilience, returning to the field with his left leg and knee heavily strapped up. Despite the ordeal, Watkins, who has represented England with three goals in nine appearances, left his mark on the game.
He took his goal superbly but not long afterwards had to be helped off the pitch by Bailey, with both Champions League-chasing Villa and England hoping his injury is not a serious one, especially with the Euro 24 starting in exactly three months’ time.
Watkins’ replacement, Duran, shot just wide with two efforts, before Villa ran riot with three second-half goals to seal their passage into the next round.
A tough return to England for Henderson
Henderson, alongside uncapped Villa defender Ezri Konsa, earned a spot in the England squad. However, Konsa was ineligible to play at Villa Park due to suspension following a red card in the first leg in the Netherlands.
Despite his 81 England caps, Henderson faced boos from the home fans every time he touched the ball. Additionally, chants referring to his move to Saudi Arabia labeled him as ‘greedy.’
The 33-year-old has encountered difficulties since joining Ajax, managing only one victory in eight appearances, with five draws and two losses. Despite contributing moments of quality, such as a delightful first-time ball over the top, Henderson also suffered crucial setbacks, notably losing possession before Villa’s second goal. Overall, it was a challenging evening for the experienced England player.