Aston Villa Report

Jacob Tanswell

Lille are playing the first leg like it's the last minute of the second leg now. #AVFC ought to get the second/third goal as their attackers are being presented the space and opportunity to do so - feel it's time to be ruthless, win the tie, gain confidence and settle nerves

2026-03-12 19:18:00.000Z

Jacob Tanswell

My word, out of nowhere. It messes with my head, the nature of it so unexpected. A pretty hopeful ball by Konsa is somehow won, in the air, by Buendia, who outjumps Lille's centre-backs. It finds Watkins who brilliantly powers another header, looping over Ozer. 1-0 #AVFC

2026-03-12 19:08:00.000Z

John Townley

GOAL: Olliee Watkinsss! After Emi Buendia knocked the ball on, Watkins loops his header over Berke Ozer to hand Villa the lead in France. Lille 0-1 #AVFC

2026-03-12 19:07:00.000Z

Jacob Tanswell

How many times are Lille going to allow #AVFC into a dangerous position only for a Villa through pass to be intercepted by the last defender? So sloppy from the front four tonight

2026-03-12 19:00:00.000Z

Jacob Tanswell

Lille changed the midfield at HT but #AVFC still afforded space in transition. Lille very open and Watkins keeps finding himself 1v1, Buendia is spare and Rogers is given more space than usual. Resulting in more final third entries, but passing/end product has been awful so far

2026-03-12 18:57:00.000Z

Jacob Tanswell

HT: Lille 0-0 #AVFC Lille not the same team they were two years ago and currently neither are Villa. Both sides struggling to attack, dulling things. Emery doesn't tend to mind this type of contest away in Europe, but Villa should be doing better or could sleepwalk into trouble.

2026-03-12 18:34:00.000Z

John Townley

HT: Goalless at the break between two teams clearly struggling in attack. Lille, however, had the best chance of the half when Olivier Giroud was picked out at the front post - but he missed for once. Villa have shown very little quality in the final third. Lille 0-0 #AVFC

2026-03-12 18:33:00.000Z

Jacob Tanswell

Lille's captain Andre keeps throwing his hands in the air as his centre backs are not stepping up, so there is constant opportunity for #AVFC to pass through Andre & Bentaleb and into Rogers/Sancho/Watkins - Villa need to do it! Quite a favourable set up for Rogers, to be frank

2026-03-12 18:20:00.000Z

Jacob Tanswell

#AVFC improving. Lille leave 2v2 with Rogers and Watkins and if Villa's midfield win the ball, Onana/Douglas Luiz look to join in and break forward. Just happened, but the question is whether that old friend - end product - will and can return

2026-03-12 18:16:00.000Z

Jacob Tanswell

First 20 minutes largely a continuation of late. There are clearly ways to hurt Lille, who are not the same side as two years ago, but #AVFC been sloppy in possession and passive. Don't think they will mind not sitting in shape as gives a chance to break, but have to show more

2026-03-12 18:09:00.000Z