Last Updated on 2 December, 2025 soccerscoop

Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv: Maatsen and Malen Strike as Villa Cruise to European Victory 2-0

Aston Villa continued their strong European form with a comfortable 2–0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv at Villa Park on Thursday night. Goals from Ian Maatsen and Donyell Malen ensured Unai Emery’s men extended their unbeaten run in continental competition, maintaining momentum in their push for top spot in their Europa Conference LeagueEuropa Conference League group.

It was another disciplined and dominant performance from Villa, who controlled possession, dictated tempo, and rarely looked threatened the Israeli visitors. Unai Emery’s men showed patience and precision, blending defensive stability with attacking flair.

First Half: Villa Take Control

From kickoff, Villa asserted their authority, with Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers linking beautifully in midfield. The home crowd, buoyed Villa’s domestic form, urged the team forward as they searched for the opener.

Maccabi Tel Aviv, meanwhile, adopted a cautious approach, sitting deep and hoping to frustrate Villa on the counter. Their goalkeeper Daniel Peretz was kept busy early on, denying Ollie Watkins and Malen with sharp saves.

As halftime approached, Villa’s pressure finally told. In first-half stoppage time, Morgan Rogers picked up the ball on the left flank and whipped in a teasing low cross that found Ian Maatsen arriving late into the box. The Dutch full-back calmly slotted home in the 45+1 minute, giving Villa a deserved 1–0 lead heading into the break.

It was Maatsen’s first goal in European competition for the club, and it perfectly capped off a dominant opening half for the hosts.

Second Half: Malen Seals the Win

Villa returned from the interval looking even more confident. Emery’s tactical tweaks — with Douglas Luiz sitting deeper to dictate play — allowed Villa’s front four to express themselves freely.

The game’s decisive second moment came just before the hour mark. Leon Bailey, who had been lively all evening, darted into the box and was brought down Maccabi’s defender Saborit, earning Villa a penalty.

Up stepped Donyell Malen, and the forward made no mistake, sending the keeper the wrong way with a calm finish from the spot in the 59th minute to make it 2–0. The goal was Malen’s third of the campaign and underlined his growing influence in Emery’s setup.

From that point, Villa were in full control. Watkins came close to adding a third after a slick one-two with Ramsey, while Youri Tielemans tested the goalkeeper from distance. Emery’s side managed the tempo perfectly, ensuring Maccabi never found a foothold in the contest.

Defensively, Villa were rock-solid. Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa marshaled the back line superbly, limiting Maccabi’s chances to speculative efforts. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez enjoyed a relatively quiet evening, making only one meaningful save late on to preserve the clean sheet.

Post-Match Reaction

Manager Unai Emery was full of praise for his players after the final whistle, highlighting their composure and tactical discipline:

We were patient, controlled, and clinical when it mattered. Every player followed the plan, and the clean sheet is very important. We’re growing as a team in Europe.

Fans at Villa Park echoed that sentiment, applauding a confident display that showcased both Villa’s attacking threat and their maturity under Emery.

Tactical Takeaways

Maatsen’s versatility: The Dutchman impressed both defensively and going forward, earning Man of the Match honors.

Midfield balance: Luiz and Kamara controlled possession, giving the attackers freedom to roam.

Clinical edge returning: With Watkins, Malen, and Bailey combining well, Villa look increasingly dangerous in front of goal.

Match Summary

Aston Villa 2–0 Maccabi Tel Aviv

Maatsen (45+1’, assist Rogers)

Malen (59’, pen)

Aston Villa’s victory sees them strengthen their position at the top of their group, edging closer to qualification for the knockout stages. If they continue performing with this blend of control and creativity, Unai Emery’s men could be serious contenders for European silverware this season.