Aston Villa Defends 1-0 Lead Against Lille in Europa League Round of 16
Aston Villa heads into Thursday’s return leg at Villa Park with a 1-0 advantage. The result would keep their chance alive to reach a third straight European quarterfinal.
At Villa Park on Thursday, Aston Villa must defend its 1-0 lead. The opponent is Lille in the Europa League round of 16.
Coach Unai Emery warned the lead was useful but not decisive. He urged his players to remain focused for the second leg.
Recent meetings and context
Two years ago, the clubs met in the Conference League quarterfinals. Villa advanced on penalties in that tie.
Last season Villa reached the Champions League quarterfinals. They were eliminated there by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.
Other fixtures to watch
- Nottingham Forest face a tougher task in Denmark after a 1-0 home defeat to Midtjylland last week.
- Manager Vítor Pereira may rest several starters ahead of a Premier League trip to Tottenham. Both clubs lie just above the relegation zone.
- Roma and Bologna are level at 1-1 ahead of the second leg in Rome.
- Lyon, the group stage winners, drew 1-1 with Celta Vigo in the first meeting.
- Porto holds a 2-1 advantage over Stuttgart going into the return match.
- Freiburg trails Genk 1-0 after the opening leg in Belgium.
- Real Betis is a goal down against visiting Panathinaikos.
Filmogaz.com will provide updates as the ties conclude.
