Keeper Emiliano Martinez was serenaded by the Aston Villa fans after his vital contribution.
He turned into Aston Villa’s quarterback when he launched a pinpoint pass for Jadon Sancho to run on to and tee up John McGinn.
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The Argentina international ran half the length of the field to celebrate with his team-mates before raising his fists towards the North Stand on returning to his goal.
The second-half opener settled Villa’s nerves, which were evident around Villa Park during a tepid first half. Villa could have drifted into trouble, but they remained largely in control.
Lille looked to contain them in the first half and then open up to try to level the tie after the break, but it only served to help Villa with gaps appearing for McGinn, and then Leon Bailey late on, to score.
Even when they were left chasing the game at 2-0 down on aggregate, the French side did not have the necessary class to worry Villa.
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The second goal added gloss to a performance which again lacked quality and energy. Villa did what they needed to do to get the job done, but still need to improve – both in the Premier League and Europe.
Yet they can still produce one-off moments, like Martinez did, to lift them and ensure their Europa League dream remains alive.
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