Lille vs Aston Villa LIVE: Europa Conference League result and reaction after Villa win on penalties
The Europa Conference League quarter-final is still up for grabs after a tight first-leg last week
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Emiliano Martinez was the unsurprising star of a dramatic penalty shootout as Aston Villa edged past Lille and into the semi-final of the Europa Conference League.
The Argentina goalkeeper, who helped his country win the World Cup 18 months ago, produced some similar heroics in France, saving spot-kicks from Nabil Bentaleb and Benjamin Andre to earn a 4-3 shootout win after the quarter-final had ended 3-3 on aggregate after two legs.
There was plenty of his trademark dark arts on show as he shushed the baiting French crowd, who had not forgotten what happened in Qatar, and then caused confusion by receiving a yellow card from the referee in the middle of the shootout, having already been booked in normal time.
But bookings are not carried forward into the shootout meaning he could stay on and send Villa into a first European semi-final since 1982. Follow all the reaction below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:
Team news
So Aston Villa manager Unai Emery makes two changes to the side that beat Arsenal 2-0 at the weekend. Douglas Luiz replaces Morgan Rogers in midfield, while Poland international Matty Cash comes in for Diego Carlos, who moves to the bench.
Leon Bailey, who scored the crucial first goal at the weekend, remains on the bench.
Team news
ASTON VILLA XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Tielemans, McGinn; Zaniolo, Luiz, Diaby; Watkins.
SUBS: Olsen, Gauci, Carlos, Lenglet, Duran, Rogers, Kesler-Hayden, Bailey, Iroegbunam; Munroe, Kellyman.
Team news
Aston Villa, meanwhile, remain without long-term absentees Boubacar Kamara, Emi Buendia, Tyrone Mings and Jacob Ramsey but are boosted by the return of Matty Cash and Clement Lenglet who missed the first leg but returned to the bench for their win against Arsenal on Sunday.
Predicted Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Luiz, Tielemans; Bailey, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins.
Team news
Lille will be fresh heading into Thursday’s encounter having not played on the weekend but Paulo Fonseca will still be without Andrej Ilic and Tiago Morais who are sidelined with injury.
The home side’s last game was the reverse of this fixture last week – they currently sit fourth in Ligue 1.
Predicted Lille XI: Chevalier; Santos, Diakite, Yoro, Ismaily; Andre, Bentaleb; Zhegrova, Cabella, Gudmundsson; David.
Lille vs Aston Villa tips: Europa Conference League predictions, odds & free bets
Football betting sites have Lille down as favourites to win on the night, but Aston Villa are capable of springing a surprise at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
Lille are priced at 29/10 for the home win, with a draw is offered at 5/2. Aston Villa are 7/4 for the away win. You can find plenty more tips and odds below.
Lille vs Aston Villa tips: Europa Conference League predictions, odds & free bets
Our tipster can't see Aston Villa's Europa Conference League journey ending in France on Thursday
Is Lille vs Aston on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch Europa League tonight
Aston Villa travel to Lille with a one-goal advantage after their narrow win at Villa Park in the Europa Conference League quarter-final first leg.
Unai Emery’s side won 2-1 thanks to goals from Ollie Watkins and John McGinn and will head to France buoyed by their impressive weekend display in the Premier League which saw them upset title contenders Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates.
The game is due to kick off at 5.45pm BST on Thursday 18 April at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the second leg live on TNT Sports 3, with coverage on the channel from 5pm. Subscribers can stream the action via Discovery+.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Is Lille vs Aston on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch
Everything you need to know ahead of the second leg
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments