John McGinn settles nerves to ease Aston Villa past Lille into quarter-finals

2026-03-19 - 22:20

Progress to the quarter-finals of the competition that made Unai Emery’s reputation, the Europa League ­continues to offer ­sanctuary for Aston Villa. 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 Martínez, 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. Continue reading...