Away wins give teams early edge in Europa League Round of 16

KATHMANDU: The first-leg matches of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 have concluded, with several teams securing crucial victories — including important away wins — to gain an advantage ahead of the second leg.

Aston Villa Edge Lille

Aston Villa secured a valuable 1–0 away victory over Lille OSC.

The decisive goal came in the 60th minute when Ollie Watkins headed home after a well-timed touch from Emiliano Buendía following a long pass.

Earlier, Morgan Rogers saw his attempt drift wide, while Lille’s Romain Perraud tested Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who produced a solid save.

Porto Triumph in Stuttgart

Portuguese giants FC Porto defeated VfB Stuttgart 2–1 on German soil.

Goals from Terem Moffi and Rodrigo Mora in quick succession during the first half gave Porto control, although Stuttgart pulled one back through Deniz Undav.

Midtjylland Beat Nottingham Forest

Denmark’s FC Midtjylland claimed a 1–0 win over Nottingham Forest.

Substitute Cho Gue-sung scored the winner with a header in the 80th minute. Forest came close through Elliot Anderson and Ola Aina, but goalkeeper Elías Rafn Ólafsson made impressive saves.

Bologna and Roma Share Points

The all-Italian clash between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma ended 1–1.

Federico Bernardeschi put Bologna ahead in the 50th minute, but substitute Lorenzo Pellegrini equalized for Roma.

Celta Vigo Held by Lyon

Celta Vigo and Olympique Lyonnais also played out a 1–1 draw.

Javi Rueda opened the scoring for Celta in the 25th minute, but Lyon levelled late through Endrick in the 87th minute. Celta’s Borja Iglesias was sent off late in the match.

Panathinaikos Beat Real Betis

Greek side Panathinaikos FC defeated Real Betis 1–0 after Vicente Taborda converted a late penalty.

Genk Narrowly Defeat Freiburg

KRC Genk secured a 1–0 win against SC Freiburg, with Zakaria El Ouahdi scoring the decisive goal after combining with captain Bryan Heynen.

Ferencváros Overcome Braga

Hungary’s Ferencvárosi TC beat SC Braga 2–0.

Gabi Kanichowsky opened the scoring from a pass by Lenny Joseph, who later added a second goal to seal the victory.