"We played a very serious match, [were] organised, respecting the competition, and we know how difficult this match is in Europe, playing in other countries with the atmosphere they have here. For them to play an English team, you can feel it a little bit - a huge motivation for the opponent."
"We started the match trying to test how they were tactically, and we were more or less getting better. The first half was equal, but I think we dominate more with the positioning. Second half, we started very good, scoring the goal and having other chances to score."
"We felt comfortable and confident. We played always with being organised as the first demand."
Aston Villa secured a 1-0 victory against Lille in France through Ollie Watkins' second-half header in an evenly contested Europa League last 16 first leg. The win extends Villa's impressive six-game winning streak in Europa League, the longest active winning run across all three European competitions in 2025-26. Unai Emery praised the team's serious, organized approach and professional display in challenging away conditions. Watkins ended a 12-game goal drought in major European competition with his header. Emery, who achieved his 100th win as Villa manager, maintains an 80% win ratio against Lille across all competitions, demonstrating his tactical mastery against the French side.
Read at Soccer News
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