Aston Villa secured a crucial Europa League victory over Basel, thanks to a stunning late substitute goal from Youri Tielemans. The Belgian midfielder's 90th-minute strike sealed a hard-fought win for Unai Emery's side, who now sit third in the table with five wins in the competition.
The hosts made a strong start to the game, but struggled to create clear-cut chances despite their early possession dominance. Poor defending from Xherdan Shaqiri allowed Evann Guessand to turn and find the bottom corner, although his goal was initially awarded as an equaliser via VAR after Leo Leroy had struck in the build-up.
Basel's leveller seemed to rattle Villa's nerves, but Emery's side responded well, with Tielemans coming on as a half-time substitute to give the team a renewed sense of purpose. The Belgian midfielder made an instant impact, scoring with a classy finish from outside the box that would prove to be the winner.
The second-half performances were almost mirror images of the first, with both teams creating scoring opportunities but struggling to find the net. Basel pushed hard for an equaliser in the final 10 minutes, but Villa held firm, with Ibrahim Salah's late header just missing the target after a deflection off Morgan Rogers left him with only one option.
Tielemans' goal will be a major lift for Emery's team, who now have the chance to qualify for the round of 16. A win over Fenerbahce on January 22 and a home game against Salzburg in their final match will all but guarantee their spot in the knockout phase.
For Tielemans, the goal marked his first of the campaign and will be a welcome boost after a recent spell on the sidelines. The midfielder spoke about the importance of his late substitute appearance, saying: "I don't know why teams drop off us, but I like it."
The hosts made a strong start to the game, but struggled to create clear-cut chances despite their early possession dominance. Poor defending from Xherdan Shaqiri allowed Evann Guessand to turn and find the bottom corner, although his goal was initially awarded as an equaliser via VAR after Leo Leroy had struck in the build-up.
Basel's leveller seemed to rattle Villa's nerves, but Emery's side responded well, with Tielemans coming on as a half-time substitute to give the team a renewed sense of purpose. The Belgian midfielder made an instant impact, scoring with a classy finish from outside the box that would prove to be the winner.
The second-half performances were almost mirror images of the first, with both teams creating scoring opportunities but struggling to find the net. Basel pushed hard for an equaliser in the final 10 minutes, but Villa held firm, with Ibrahim Salah's late header just missing the target after a deflection off Morgan Rogers left him with only one option.
Tielemans' goal will be a major lift for Emery's team, who now have the chance to qualify for the round of 16. A win over Fenerbahce on January 22 and a home game against Salzburg in their final match will all but guarantee their spot in the knockout phase.
For Tielemans, the goal marked his first of the campaign and will be a welcome boost after a recent spell on the sidelines. The midfielder spoke about the importance of his late substitute appearance, saying: "I don't know why teams drop off us, but I like it."
90 minutes of nothin and he just comes on and scores a beauty... perfect timing for villa!!! 
love how they bounced back from being down after basel's equaliser too... they never gave up. Unai emery must be so proud of his team right now 
I think this is crazy talk if you ask me, Villa gets taken down by Basel at home and they have to come back from behind? 
Youri Tielemans just shows up in the 90th minute and scores a beauty to win it for them. Talk about being a game-changer! 
The VAR call was questionable too, that Evann Guessand goal should've been out of bounds. 
And what's with all the VAR controversy? It's like they're making up their own rules as we go along... 
and tielemans' goal was a total game-changer 
i mean, he came on as a sub at half-time and just transformed the team's energy 
now they're all but guaranteed to qualify for the knockout phase 
it's also great to see tielemans back in the mix after being out injured, he seems like a super professional 
... what a finish! Tielemans' goal was pure magic 
. You gotta feel for Unai Emery's guys, they were on the ropes after that penalty VAR controversy 
, but their team spirit and Tielemans' late surge really saved them. It's like he just reinvigorated his entire team 
. And now with those Fenerbahce and Salzburg matches coming up, Villa's almost a done deal for the knockout phase 
. Youri Tielemans is a genius, scoring that beauty of a goal at the 90th minute 
.
they needed that win soooo bad! Youri Tielemans is like a superhero or something, coming on and scoring the winner in the 90th minute. I was watching with my squad and we were all just screaming at the screen "GOAL!" 
saying teams drop off when they play him and I'm just over here living my best life 
I need to get tickets for their next match ASAP!
its definitely a big boost for emery's team after a tough start to the campaign 
Tielemans seemed really calm about his late sub, said something kinda funny about teams not knowing how good villa is lol 
they were getting destroyed in the first half and now tielemans comes on and scores a goal from 40 yards out... sounds about right for me 
he's literally the best! i feel bad for villa though they had so many chances to win before tielemans did his magic 
Unai Emery should get a raise now, the guy knows how to make a comeback 
He's like a superhero on the pitch! 
5 wins in the Europa League is no joke, they're on track for the knockout phase. Now, let's keep this momentum going and Fenerbahce is about to get served 
but seriously though, basel just got served. that goal from guessand was def a lucky one... and what's up with the VAR decisions tonight? 
️ Unai Emery must be bloody thrilled with the win, especially after Basel seemed to rattle their nerves. 
Fingers crossed they can make it to the round of 16...