Aston Villa vs Celtic Report

Scorers: Rogers 3’, 5’, 90+1’, Watkins 60’; Idah 36’, 38’

Aston Villa secured a place in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) last 16, edging a six-goal thriller against Celtic to finish inside the top eight of the league phase standings.

Morgan Rogers’ first senior hat-trick headlined a rollercoaster 4-2 victory, while Adam Idah’s brace wasn’t enough to stop Brendan Rodgers’ side from slipping into the play-offs.

First Half: Early Villa Blitz, Celtic Fightback

The hosts flew out of the blocks, as Morgan Rogers finished a well-worked move involving Youri Tielemans and Jacob Ramsey, tucking away a low cross from Ramsey for his first UCL goal.

Villa doubled their lead inside two minutes when Rogers let fly from the edge of the box, his deflected effort looping over Kasper Schmeichel into the top corner. Villa nearly made it 3-0, as Ramsey’s strike hit the upright, deflecting off Schmeichel’s ankle and looping into the air before being cleared.

A Ramsey-led counter found Ollie Watkins, but Alistair Johnston cleared his effort off the line, keeping Celtic in the contest.Seemingly out of nowhere, Celtic hit back. Greg Taylor’s cross deflected off John McGinn, allowing Adam Idah to turn and finish past Emiliano Martínez.

Momentum fully swung in Celtic’s favour just before HT, as Reo Hatate’s pull-back found Idah, who lashed home his second, leaving Villa Park stunned.

Second Half: End-to-End Chaos, Villa Finish Strong

Villa responded in style, with McGinn driving forward before releasing Ramsey, who teed up Watkins to finish calmly.

Villa were awarded a controversial penalty when Auston Trusty was penalised for a challenge on Watkins. However, the striker lost his footing, sending his penalty over the crossbar.The Celtic goalkeeper pulled off another stunning save, denying Rogers from close range to keep his side in it.

Watkins stole possession inside the box before unselfishly squaring to Rogers, who smashed home his hat-trick goal, sealing the win and Villa’s progression.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Aston Villa vs Celtic | UEFA Champions League 2024/25