Celtic blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Bologna and leave their qualification hopes hinging on next week’s final round of games as arch-rivals Rangers bowed out despite a first win of the competition.
Jadon Sancho’s header midway through the first half in Istanbul earned Villa a sixth victory in seven European games, clinching a spot in the top eight and allowing Unai Emery’s team to bypass the knockout phase play-offs.
Matty Cash struck the post in the second half and Villa held on as goalkeeper Marco Bizot produced a string of key saves with Fenerbahce pushing for an equaliser.
“I’m just happy to get my first goal for Aston Villa and to top it off with that, it’s a win,” Sancho, who joined on loan from Manchester United in September, told TNT Sports.
“Honestly, I know I can do a lot more. I’m very hard on myself in that aspect.
“It’s nice to have a manager that backs you and obviously believes in you. Again, every opportunity I get I’m going to try and do 100% and hopefully I can deliver goals more.”
Villa are second in the standings on 18 points and only trail Lyon on goal difference.
Lyon won 1-0 at Swiss side Young Boys with a goal from former Arsenal player Ainsley Maitland-Niles to ensure their spot in the last 16.
Forest face the prospect of going into the play-offs after a limp display in a 1-0 loss to Braga, who climbed up to fifth.
Morgan Gibbs-White had a penalty saved early in the second half and Braga went straight down the other end and scored as Forest captain Ryan Yates bundled into his own net.
Forest’s woes were compounded when Elliot Anderson was sent off for dissent in stoppage time.
Celtic had to settle for a point at Bologna and sit 24th in the 36-team table, occupying the final play-off berth. The Scottish champions host Utrecht in their final game next week.
Martin O’Neill’s side led through Reo Hatate’s early strike in Italy, but the Japan international was sent off for a second booking on 34 minutes.
American defender Auston Trusty doubled Celtic’s advantage before half-time, but Bologna fought their way back with goals from Thijs Dallings and Jonathan Rowe.
“We’ve given ourselves a chance, that’s all. A chance of qualifying. And from that viewpoint, I’m delighted,” said O’Neill. “My own view is that if we had stayed with 11 men, I think we would have won the game.” (AFP)
