Aston Villa tries to reach the Europa League quarterfinals again as it protects a 1-0 lead over Lille from the first leg of the round of 16
Aston Villa players warm up during a training session in Tamworth, England, Wednesday March 18, 2026, one day ahead of their Europa League soccer match against Lille. (David Davies/PA via AP)
BIRMINGHAM, England — Aston Villa stands a good chance of advancing to the quarterfinals of a European competition for the third straight year.
The Premier League side needs to protect a 1-0 advantage from Lille in the return leg of the Europa League round of 16 on Thursday at Villa Park.