Overview
- Ian Maatsen scored before the break and Donyell Malen converted a second‑half penalty as Emi Martinez made key saves to secure the clean sheet.
- The win moves Villa to sixth in the Europa League league‑phase standings after four matches, stabilizing their group-stage trajectory.
- Emery made five changes from the Liverpool defeat, leaving Ollie Watkins and captain John McGinn on the bench and handing Ezri Konsa the armband.
- Ross Barkley was formally added to Villa’s UEFA List A in place of the injured Tyrone Mings under the one‑change allowance for long‑term injuries.
- The fixture followed pre‑match protests and was played without Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters, with away fans barred from attending.