McGinn reaches Aston Villa milestone as Emery’s Side beat Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-0 in Europa League | OneFootball

Aston Villa returned to winning ways in the Europa League, beating Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-0 at Villa Park on Thursday evening.

Maccabi created the game’s first chance when Helio Varela’s shot from the edge of the box was blocked before Emiliano Martinez saved Elad Madmon’s tame effort.

Villa’s first attempt came in the 19th minute, as Jadon Sancho combined with Donyell Malen down the left flank, but the Dutch forward’s effort was deflected wide.

Morgan Rogers got their best chance, manoeuvring his way past the defenders, but goalkeeper Roi Mashpati blocked his effort.

Moments later, the Maccabi goalkeeper made a good save to deny Malen from close range.

Ian Maatsen opened the scoring in the first half stoppage time with a sublime finish from an acute angle.

The Dutchman nearly doubled the hosts ‘ lead not long after the restart, but his shot was saved by the Maccabi goalkeeper.

Martinez made a brilliant save to deny Dor Peretz from bringing Maccabi level, and moments later, Mashpati also replicated the same to prevent Malen’s effort.

The Netherlands international eventually made it 2-0 in the 58th minute. Ezri Konsa was brought down in the area, and he stepped up to convert the resultant penalty.

John McGinn came on for Villa in the 75th minute, replacing Sancho, making his 300th appearance for the Midlands side.

Mashpati prevented substitute Youri Tielemans from adding to Villa tally with a superb stop.

Tielemans almost registered an assist late on after putting Malen through on goal, only for the brilliant Maccabi shot-stopper to deny him once again.

The visitors could not muster any late response, allowing Villa to see out the rest of the game comfortably.