Europa League FC Basel Vs Aston Villa
Aston Villa continued their impressive European campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over FC Basel in the UEFA Europa League on December 11, 2025. The Premier League side managed the game with maturity, taking their chances well and defending with control in the closing stages.
Basel, backed by a strong home crowd at St Jakob Park, produced moments of quality and fought back to equalise in the first half. However, Villa’s higher precision in decisive phases proved the difference, helping them move closer to automatic qualification for the round of 16.
Villa Make a Fast Start as Evann Guessand Strikes Early
The match opened at a lively tempo, and Aston Villa made their intentions clear within the first quarter-hour. A corner from the right caused confusion in the Basel defence, allowing Evann Guessand to react quickest in the 12th minute. His sharp turn and finish inside the penalty area handed Villa an early 1-0 advantage.
The goal allowed Villa to settle, and their structure out of possession frustrated Basel’s attempts to build from deep. Despite rotating their squad after a victory over Arsenal in the Premier League, Villa displayed discipline and cohesion, showing their comfort in managing European fixtures on the road.
Basel Grow Into the Match and Level Through Flavius Daniliuc
Basel responded well after conceding and began to impose themselves as the first half progressed. Their patience paid off in the 34th minute when Flavius Daniliuc attacked a set-piece delivery with determination. Rising above the Villa defence, he guided the ball past the keeper to bring the Swiss side level.
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The equaliser energised the home crowd, and Basel pushed for more. Their movements on the flanks and increased confidence in midfield forced Villa to stay compact.
Basel also believed they had found a second goal when Léo Leroy finished a flowing move, but VAR intervened and ruled the effort out for offside. The decision kept the scores level heading into the break and left Basel frustrated despite a strong response.
Tielemans’ Second-Half Impact Restores Villa’s Lead
Villa manager Unai Emery made adjustments at half-time, introducing Youri Tielemans to regain control in midfield. The decision proved decisive. Just eight minutes into the second half, Tielemans collected the ball at the edge of the box and produced a composed, accurate strike to restore Villa’s lead in the 53rd minute.
The goal shifted momentum firmly back toward Villa. Tielemans not only offered creativity but also added composure that allowed his team to dictate longer spells of possession.
Villa used this control smartly, slowing the game when needed and preventing Basel from building the same rhythm they had shown in the latter part of the first half.
Basel Fight but Fail to Find a Late Equaliser
Despite falling behind again, Basel remained competitive and created several half-chances through their wide players. Their energy levels remained high, and they continued to push Villa deeper into their defensive third in search of an equaliser.
However, Villa’s defensive structure held firm. Their centre-backs dealt well with crosses into the box, and the midfield worked tirelessly to block passing lanes.
Basel’s best late opportunities were limited, and Villa maintained control in the crucial final minutes. Basel’s strong home record in Europe was ultimately undone by Villa’s superior efficiency in key moments.
Villa Strengthen Their Europa League Position
The 2-1 victory marked Aston Villa’s fifth win in six Europa League games and extended their strong run across all competitions. The result helped them move into third place in the league phase standings, keeping them on track for automatic progression to the knockout rounds.
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Basel, meanwhile, were left outside the top-eight positions and must now take points from their remaining fixtures to stay in contention. Their performance showed commitment and quality, but they lacked the decisive edge needed to take something from a well-organised Villa side.
Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over FC Basel showcased their growing European maturity. Early sharpness, strong mid-game control and impactful substitutions carried them through a competitive match. Basel created problems but were unable to convert pressure into goals, while Villa’s efficiency in both boxes proved the difference.
With knockout qualification within reach, Villa will view this performance as another step forward under Unai Emery. Basel have positives to build on, but the defeat increases the challenge as they look to keep their Europa League hopes alive in the final rounds.
FAQs
Q1. What was the final score of FC Basel vs Aston Villa?
A. Aston Villa won the match 2-1 away in Switzerland.
Q2. Who scored the goals for Aston Villa?
A. Evann Guessand scored early, and Youri Tielemans added the decisive second-half goal.
Q3. How did FC Basel score their goal?
A. Flavius Daniliuc headed in a set-piece delivery in the 34th minute.
Q4. Were there any VAR decisions in the match?
A. Yes. Basel had a goal from Léo Leroy ruled out by VAR for offside.
Q5. What does this result mean for Aston Villa in the Europa League?
A. The win strengthened Villa’s position in the league phase and moved them closer to automatic qualification for the round of 16.
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