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Aston Villa Crush Fenerbahce 6-0 in Champions League Masterclass at Villa Park
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Aston Villa Crush Fenerbahce 6-0 in Champions League Masterclass at Villa Park

2 hours ago·2 min

Aston Villa delivered a stunning performance at Villa Park on Wednesday, routing Fenerbahce 6-0 to claim their second consecutive UEFA Champions League victory under manager Unai Emery.

Johan Manzambi set the tone in the 12th minute when his effort deflected off Fenerbahce captain Milan Skriniar and past goalkeeper Ederson. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki kept Villa's lead intact with a sharp save from Vedat Muriqi, and Nicolas Jackson then took command of the evening.

Jackson, the Senegal striker who joined Villa from Chelsea, drilled two first-half goals — both placed to Ederson's right — to give Emery's side a commanding 3-0 lead by the break. Fenerbahce's travelling supporters made plenty of noise throughout, but the contest was effectively settled before the half-time whistle.

Barkley and Abraham put the gloss on a big night

Ross Barkley made it four from the penalty spot in the 68th minute, tucking away a spot-kick after Manzambi had been brought down. The midfielder added a fifth four minutes later when his left-footed strike took a deflection and wrong-footed Ederson.

Substitute Tammy Abraham completed the rout in the 90th minute, finishing from a pass laid on by fellow substitute Alysson to cap a remarkable night for the West Midlands club.

Fenerbahce arrived with a squad full of familiar names — Nathan Ake started, Romelu Lukaku came on as a substitute, and Mason Greenwood was met with boos from the home support with each touch. Yet they had no answer to Villa's energy and dynamism, particularly from Manzambi and 18-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye on the flanks.

Jackson making Villa fans forget Watkins

When Ollie Watkins departed in the summer, questions lingered over how Villa would replace the England striker. Jackson, who turns 25 this year and previously worked with Emery at Villarreal, is providing a compelling early answer.

The Senegal international has scored in each of his last two Premier League appearances and now has three goals from two Champions League matches. His finishing — a subject of debate throughout his career — was nothing short of clinical on this occasion.

Villa's supporters unveiled a tifo heralding this campaign as a new chapter in the club's European adventure. On the evidence of two commanding wins, that chapter is off to a fine start.

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