"The second leg was completed without too much drama, via the welcome sight of John McGinn scoring a fine goal. Villa have sorely missed him, though the contributions of Emi Martinez, in making a save then launching an attack, and Jadon Sancho were crucial to clinching the tie."
"Sancho, the player who neither Manchester United nor Chelsea could get to the bottom of his talent, may be the latest uncut gem that Emery has polished up. Another wildcard, Leon Bailey, scored Villa's late second."
"Emery had made six changes from last weekend's listless defeat at Old Trafford. Tammy Abraham's selection met popular demand, with Ollie Watkins struggling for form. Like Victor Lindelof in defence, the Roma loanee was making his first start in more than a month."
Aston Villa progressed to the Europa League quarter-finals with a second-leg victory over Lille, completing the tie without significant drama. John McGinn scored a fine goal, while Jadon Sancho and Leon Bailey contributed crucial moments in attack. Emi Martinez made important defensive and playmaking contributions. Manager Unai Emery made six changes from the previous weekend's defeat at Old Trafford, including recalling Tammy Abraham to replace the out-of-form Ollie Watkins and Victor Lindelof to the defense. The victory marked Emery's 100th win in charge, though Villa had won only two of their previous nine matches. Lille, seeking their first breakthrough beyond the last 16, featured Olivier Giroud, who holds his highest goal tally against Villa. Both teams created opportunities throughout the match, with Villa showing early vigor and Lille comfortable in possession.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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