Aston Villa marked a strong return to winning ways in Europe with a 2-0 triumph over Maccabi Tel Aviv on UEFA Europa League matchday four a fitting way for Unai Emery to celebrate both his 54th birthday and three-year anniversary at the club , Softfootball reports.
The result was also the perfect response after their 2-0 loss to Liverpool over the weekend , as the Villans extended their impressive home record in European competitions to 13 wins from their last 15 outings.
The build-up to the clash was overshadowed by the decision to ban Maccabi supporters from Villa Park, leaving empty patches in the stands and a muted atmosphere. The opening exchanges reflected that energy, with few clear chances at either end. Donyell Malen's deflected strike that flew narrowly wide midway through the half offered the first glimpse of quality, before Maccabi's Osher Davida nearly stunned the hosts with a ricocheted effort that crept just past Emiliano Martinez's post.