Aston Villa 2–0 Maccabi Tel Aviv
(Maatsen 45+1’, Malen 74’ pen)
Aston Villa battled to a hard-fought 2–0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv in a Europa League clash overshadowed by tense scenes off the pitch, protests outside Villa Park, and a subdued performance from Unai Emery’s men.
Goals from Ian Maatsen and Donyell Malen were enough to secure three crucial points and move Villa up to sixth in the Europa League phase standings, but the evening was anything but straightforward for the Premier League side.
⚽ Maatsen and Malen Deliver as Villa Grind Out Victory
Villa looked far from their fluent best throughout a game disrupted by off-field tensions and a cautious approach on the pitch.
Dutch full-back Ian Maatsen gave the hosts the breakthrough in first-half stoppage time, squeezing a low shot past the Maccabi goalkeeper from a tight angle after an otherwise laboured opening 45 minutes.
After the break, the visitors pushed back strongly. Osher Davida went close with a deflected effort, and Dor Peretz forced two fine saves from Emiliano Martínez, keeping Villa’s lead intact.
The result was finally settled in controversial fashion when Ezri Konsa appeared to trip over his own feet inside the area but still won a penalty. Donyell Malen confidently converted from the spot to seal victory, though even Emery admitted afterwards that Villa “didn’t play brilliantly.”
“The most important thing was getting the three points,” Emery said. “We played seriously and passionately, but we made more mistakes than we planned. We didn’t dominate like we wanted, but we found a way.”
🕊️ Off-Field Tensions and Security Concerns
The build-up to the match was dominated by political tensions rather than football. Following advice from West Midlands Police, Aston Villa had announced that no Maccabi Tel Aviv fans would be permitted to attend, citing security concerns amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The decision came after intelligence suggested potential flashpoints between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators. As anticipated, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the stadium hours before kick-off.
Police confirmed that six arrests were made, with more than 700 officers deployed to maintain order.
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s manager Zarko Lazetic revealed that his players had been instructed to arrive at the ground five hours before kick-off for safety reasons — an unprecedented disruption for a European fixture.
“It looked like nothing,” Lazetic said of the penalty decision. “But that’s football. We showed who we are despite the circumstances.”
🏟️ Emery’s Old Guard Still Carry the Load
The fixture came exactly three years after Unai Emery’s first match in charge of Aston Villa, a 3–1 win over Manchester United that reignited belief among supporters. Yet despite the new faces in his squad, the reliance on Villa’s old guard remains apparent.
From that 2022 lineup, Emiliano Martínez and Ezri Konsa again started — both pivotal in Thursday’s victory. John McGinn, Ollie Watkins, and Emiliano Buendía all featured off the bench, highlighting Emery’s continued faith in the experienced core that has defined his tenure.
The Spaniard’s newer signings — including scorers Maatsen and Malen — are still adapting to life at Villa Park. While flashes of quality were evident, the side’s overall cohesion and tempo remain inconsistent.
“It’s about learning from experience in Europe,” Emery explained. “We respect how opponents compete, but we must grow in how we handle these games. We need to be more ruthless.”
📉 Fragile Form Despite Winning Record
Villa entered the match following a 5-match winning streak and an impressive victory over Manchester City, yet back-to-back defeats to Liverpool and inconsistent European displays suggest the side remains fragile.
While the win over Maccabi steadies the ship, Emery’s men still struggle to impose themselves against well-organized opposition. Defensive lapses and slow build-up play continue to concern fans.
Player of the Match Ian Maatsen was one of few standouts, earning a BBC Sport average rating of 7.52, ahead of Youri Tielemans (7.35) and Donyell Malen (7.29).
📅 What’s Next for Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv
- Aston Villa return to Premier League action on Saturday against Bournemouth, before visiting Leeds United on 23 November following the international break.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv face Beitar Jerusalem in the Israeli Premier League this weekend and will host Lyon in the Europa League on 27 November.
Despite the subdued performance, Villa’s victory strengthens their push for the Europa League knockout rounds and marks a small but important step in their European campaign.
Emery, celebrating three years in charge, remains cautiously optimistic.
“We are not perfect,” he said. “But if we continue to compete like this — with passion, with commitment — the good performances will follow.”
⭐ Aston Villa Player Ratings (vs Maccabi Tel Aviv)
| Player | Rating | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Ian Maatsen | 7.52 | Opened scoring, constant outlet on left flank |
| Youri Tielemans | 7.35 | Composed control in midfield |
| Donyell Malen | 7.29 | Scored decisive penalty |
| Emiliano Martínez | 7.25 | Key saves kept Villa ahead |
| Morgan Rogers | 7.14 | Energetic in attack |
| John McGinn | 7.03 | Late spark off the bench |
| Ezri Konsa | 6.99 | Mixed night, won debatable penalty |
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