Aston Villa secured their place in the Europa League last 16 with a gritty 1-0 victory over Fenerbahce in a hostile atmosphere in Istanbul, thanks to a first-half strike from Jadon Sancho.

The result means Unai Emery’s side will bypass the knockout play-off round and progress directly to the last 16 with a game to spare in the league phase.

Sancho’s goal proved decisive in a match dominated by noise, pressure and late drama.

The winger struck in the opening half to give Villa a precious lead, one they were forced to defend resolutely as Fenerbahce threw bodies forward in search of an equaliser. Villa showed composure and organisation, hallmarks of Emery’s European pedigree.

Goalkeeper Marco Bizot was outstanding throughout the evening, producing a series of crucial saves to preserve Villa’s advantage.

Making a rare start, the Dutchman justified Emery’s faith, dealing confidently with shots, crosses and set-pieces as Fenerbahce pressed relentlessly. His performance drew praise from pundits and supporters alike.

Villa appeared to suffer a major setback midway through the second half when Kerem Akturkoglu bundled in a rebound to level the scores, but lengthy VAR checks ruled the goal out for offside earlier in the move.

The reprieve proved vital, allowing Villa to regain control and manage the closing stages of the contest.

Emery freshened his side late on with multiple substitutions as Villa battled through seven minutes of stoppage time.

Despite heavy rain and sustained pressure, the visitors held firm, with Tyrone Mings and the Villa defence repelling a final wave of attacks to secure the clean sheet.

The win caps another impressive European night for Emery and his squad, underlining Villa’s growing confidence on the continental stage.

With qualification to the last 16 now confirmed, attention will turn to maintaining momentum domestically, but this disciplined display will be remembered as a significant step in Villa’s Europa League campaign.