Aston Villa vs Celtic LIVE: Result and reaction as Villa sneak straight into last 16 with thrilling win | OneFootball

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Emery won't be keeping an eye on other results in Villa's quest for top eight

Morgan Rogers scored hat-trick and Ollie Watkins opened his Champions League account as Aston Villa beat Celtic 4-2 in a breathtaking game to seal their last-16 spot.

Rogers gave Villa a barnstorming start by scoring twice inside the opening five minutes, first steering in from close range and then planting a sublime dipping shot past Celtic keeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Scottish league leaders Celtic, who like Villa were already assured of at least a play-off place, stormed back before half-time as Adam Idah stunned the hosts with a quick-fire double.

Watkins restored Villa's lead after a flowing move on the hour but comically scooped a penalty horribly over the crossbar to ensure a nervous finale at Villa Park.

However, Rogers wrapped it up in a stoppage time to complete his hat-trick, while Celtic will prepare for a blockbuster play-off clash with either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid. Follow reaction from Villa Park in our live blog below:

REPORT: Aston Villa find perfect way to forget about unwanted transfer attention in Champions League thriller

On a night dominated by transfer news surrounding their two leading marksmen, a hat-trick from someone else, Morgan Rogers, was required to fire Aston Villa directly into the last 16 of the Champions League as Uefa netted yet another victory for their shiny new format.

Capping a memorable first league-phase adventure at Europe’s top table since 1982-83, a night full of drama ended with hat-trick hero Rogers, scoring his first three goals in the Champions League, and team-mates huddled around a phone to see if other results had gone Villa’s way.

Atalanta’s draw away to Barcelona sealed eighth spot for Villa – another remarkable achievement for Unai Emery. But the action on the pitch only told half the story of a night packed with more drama than a Hollyoaks omnibus.

Read Pete Hall’s full report from Villa Park:

Luke Baker29 January 2025 22:44

Aston Villa 3-2 Celtic, 89 mins

Getting towards the final knockings here and Celtic still fancy nicking an equaliser. Villa only have themselves to blame for not putting this game to bed

Luke Baker29 January 2025 21:50

Aston Villa 3-2 Celtic, 84 mins

Villa currently sneaking into the top eight, holding on to eighth spot ahead of Atalanta, who are drawing with Barcelona.

One goal from Atalanta would send Villa into the play-offs unless they get a couple of their own to overhaul Lille on goal difference. All these missed chances could come back to haunt Unai Emery’s men.

Luke Baker29 January 2025 21:46