Aston Villa victory overshadowed by protests and arrests
Aston Villa secured a 2-0 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League on a night overshadowed by protests, a heavy police presence, and multiple arrests outside Villa Park.
The win lifted Unai Emery’s side to sixth in their group, but the events off the pitch ensured the evening carried weight beyond football.
Protests and police
West Midlands Police confirmed that 11 people were arrested as pro-Palestine demonstrations, along with smaller counter-protests, took place near the stadium. More than 700 officers were deployed following the decision to bar Maccabi fans from attending due to security concerns.
Despite fears of disruption, Sky Sports News reported that the match itself went ahead “without major incident.” Outside, police lines and roadblocks were set up around Villa Park, while inside, the away section remained empty as the Israeli team lined up for their pre-match photo.
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Slow start, sharp finish
On the pitch, Villa took time to find rhythm. Dor Peretz nearly punished their sluggish start but failed to beat goalkeeper Emi Martinez from close range.
Unai Emery had made five changes to the side that lost to Liverpool, with Jadon Sancho, Victor Lindelof, Ian Maatsen, Lamare Bogarde, and Donyell Malen all starting. Ezri Konsa captained the team, while Ollie Watkins and Youri Tielemans began on the bench.
Morgan Rogers injected some urgency into Villa’s play, and his quick exchange with Sancho just before half-time set up Ian Maatsen, who fired in from a tight angle to give the hosts the lead.
Malen’s cool penalty
In the second half, Maccabi again threatened through Peretz, but Martinez’s reflexes denied him once more. Villa extended their advantage when Konsa was brought down by Elad Madmon, and Donyell Malen calmly slotted home from the spot to make it 2-0.
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It was Villa’s third penalty of the Europa campaign, and the first they have converted, after earlier misses by Ollie Watkins and Emi Buendia.
Tielemans later made his return from injury, showcasing his trademark vision with a precise pass that nearly gave Malen a second, only for Roei Mishpati to save well. Watkins also came close late on, his effort cleared off the line by Issouf Sissokho.
Emery’s reflection
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Unai Emery acknowledged his side’s mixed performance but praised their discipline and maturity.
“How we performed in the 90 minutes was not brilliant, but we were playing solid,” he said. “We conceded more chances than we planned, but overall we dominated. We had to use our experiences in Europe against teams like Maccabi.”
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He added that patience and resilience were key to get the victory. “We were speaking in the dressing room about not being frustrated. Try to keep being resilient or being patient when we need it.”
Controlled conclusion
By the final whistle, Villa’s focus had returned to football. The home side finished strongly, controlling possession and ensuring their European campaign remains on course.
But the night’s atmosphere, with protests ringing beyond the stadium gates, reminded all involved that this was a match played under extraordinary circumstances.
Sources: Sky Sports, TNT Sports, West Midlands Police
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