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. The Dutch forward’s effort was deflected wide.
Morgan Rogers manoeuvred past the defence to create another chance, 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 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 the Maccabi goalkeeper saved his shot.
Martinez made a brilliant save to deny Dor Peretz from bringing Maccabi level. Mashpati matched his Villa counterpart to thwart 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 replaced Sancho in the 75th minute, making his 300th appearance for the Midlands side.
Mashpati prevented substitute Youri Tielemans from adding to Villa’s tally with a superb stop.
Tielemans almost registered an assist late on after putting Malen through on goal, only for the brilliant Maccabi goalkeeper to deny him once again.
The visitors could not muster any late response, allowing Villa to see out the rest of the game.
