Aston Villa's European campaign is gaining momentum with a 2-1 victory over Basel in their Europa League encounter on Wednesday night. Youri Tielemans' classy first-half finish sealed the win for Unai Emery's side, as they extended their unbeaten run to five wins from six matches.
The visitors, who are now third in Group E, secured the crucial three points in a highly anticipated fixture that saw Roger Federer, an ardent Basel supporter, nod his head of approval at Tielemans' goal in the stands. The Belgian midfielder showed his class with a beautifully struck finish after Evann Guessand had given Villa the lead early on.
Emery, however, was quick to acknowledge that this win will be crucial for the team's overall ambitions. "We can't stop," he said. "The Europa League is very important for us – to be favourites, it depends if we are playing consistently, getting in the top eight."
Villa made several changes from their previous match and relied on rotation to give players like Guessand an opportunity to shine. The winger's equalising goal had Basel on the back foot but Tielemans quickly restored Villa's lead.
Emery praised his team for their resilience and quality as they secured a significant win that puts them firmly in contention for European advancement. "Of course when we are winning, every plan more or less makes sense," he said of the victory.
The visitors, who are now third in Group E, secured the crucial three points in a highly anticipated fixture that saw Roger Federer, an ardent Basel supporter, nod his head of approval at Tielemans' goal in the stands. The Belgian midfielder showed his class with a beautifully struck finish after Evann Guessand had given Villa the lead early on.
Emery, however, was quick to acknowledge that this win will be crucial for the team's overall ambitions. "We can't stop," he said. "The Europa League is very important for us – to be favourites, it depends if we are playing consistently, getting in the top eight."
Villa made several changes from their previous match and relied on rotation to give players like Guessand an opportunity to shine. The winger's equalising goal had Basel on the back foot but Tielemans quickly restored Villa's lead.
Emery praised his team for their resilience and quality as they secured a significant win that puts them firmly in contention for European advancement. "Of course when we are winning, every plan more or less makes sense," he said of the victory.
Tielemans' goal was SO CLASSY!!! I'm loving Unai Emery's team talk - they're really bringing their A-game! It's all about consistency now, fam 
#AstonVilla #EuropaLeague #UnaiEmery #TielemansGoals
. Meanwhile, smaller clubs like Basel are actually putting in the work on the pitch, but we don't get to see them as much. It's all about the benjamins, if you ask me 
... and let's be real, how many of these 'quality' players that Aston Villa is supposed to have really deliver on match day? 
! Unai Emery's tactics are really paying off, and that win will definitely boost their confidence. Tielemans is just phenomenal - what a strike! 
And to see Roger Federer nodding his head of approval from the stands? Classic! 
Guessand getting an equalizer was a bummer, but Villa's rotation strategy worked out in the end.
. They need to keep this momentum going if they wanna make it into the top eight. And you know what? I think they can do it! 
This victory showcases their resilience and quality, so fingers crossed they can maintain this level of performance all season long 
!
But for real, this win is a huge boost to their campaign & Emery's side has shown they're not to be underestimated. Tielemans' goal was pure class, btw. I'm reminded of Lampard scoring those goals for Chelsea back in 2005, it was like magic! 
they just beat a team that was gonna get knocked out anyway 
Guessand scored a goal, Tielemans scored a goal, big whoop 
. Unai Emery's tactics seem to be working so far... lets see if this win keeps 'em on track 
. And Emery's comment about relying on rotation is fair enough, it shows the team's depth but also their limited squad options 
, that's a nice touch! 
. The rotation plan seems to be working, giving players like Guessand some much-needed game time 
. And can we talk about Roger Federer showing his support from the stands? 
! Their rotation tactic worked a treat and players like Guessand got to shine in big games 
! Villa's on track for European advancement and I'm loving every minute of it 
I wonder what Federer was thinking when he saw his team lose, lol 
Emery seems like a pretty cool coach too, his team is really gelling together. 
Do you think Villa can make it to the top eight? 
) watching from the stands. Youri Tielemans is doing some incredible things for that team - the way he scores goals like he did in this match is just class 
️! Villa's unbeaten run is a testament to their quality and consistency, and with a few more wins they'll definitely be in contention for European advancement 
️ I was thinking a flowchart to show their current form: 
The rotation move worked out nicely for Guessand, btw. Maybe it'll be interesting to see how Villa approaches the next match...