November 10, (THEWILL) – Aston Villa earned a dramatic comeback victory over AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League last night to finish the game 2-1. Striker Ollie Watkins nodded in the winner with just 9 minutes remaining to keep Villa’s knockout stage hopes alive.
The hosts had taken an early lead through Vangelis Pavlidis, but Villa hit back through a controversial Diego Carlos header from a corner that should not have been given. With the clock ticking down, Watkins popped up in the box to head home Douglas Luiz’s pinpoint cross and snatch all three points.
The result leaves Villa joint top of Group E heading into the final two matches. Unai Emery’s men now know that just a single point will guarantee qualification to the knockout stages.
It was a resilient performance from the visitors, who had wasted numerous chances in the first half and found themselves behind early in the second. Yet, Watkins’ late intervention ensures Villa remain in pole position to progress in Europe.
The England striker was the hero on a night when big-money signing, Diego Carlos, also made his mark. Villa had trailed but demonstrated their character and quality to turn the game around. They will hope to build on this morale-boosting victory.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
