Aston Villa – Maccabi Tel Aviv FC: 2–0
Aston Villa eased past Maccabi Tel Aviv with a dominant 2–0 win in Birmingham. Ian Maatsen opened the scoring just before halftime, neatly finishing a move set up by Morgan Rogers. Donyell Malen doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 59th minute after a VAR review confirmed the foul. Villa controlled the tempo with 65% possession and 8 shots on target, rarely troubled defensively. Maccabi struggled to create chances, managing just 3 shots on goal amid four injury setbacks.
Key player: Donyell Malen (Aston Villa)
A dominant showing from the Dutch forward, capped with a coolly converted penalty to double Villa's advantage in the 59th minute.
Malen was a constant threat, racking up multiple shots on target and keeping the Maccabi backline busy all night.
His goal gave Villa control of the match and helped secure the 2-0 victory in front of a raucous home crowd.
Aston Villa displayed composure and attacking precision in a match they largely dominated. With clinical finishing and a well-organized defense, the club claimed a deserved victory that strengthens their momentum going forward.