Morgan Rogers delivers hat-trick as Aston Villa storms into Champions League last 16

In a thrilling Champions League match at Villa Park, Aston Villa secured a notable 4-2 victory over Celtic. The match was significant for the English club as it marked their qualification for the last 16 of the tournament, a milestone not reached since the 1982-83 season. The standout performer of the night was Morgan Rogers, who scored a hat-trick, becoming the first player in Champions League history to net twice within the opening five minutes of a match. His performance came during a night filled with drama, as transfer news regarding Villa's strikers added tension to the atmosphere. Prior to the match, reports emerged of a rejected bid from Arsenal for Ollie Watkins, Villa's England international forward. Watkins, eager for a move to a club he has supported since childhood, created a turbulent backdrop just before the crucial game. Meanwhile, Jhon Duran was confirmed to have a medical scheduled ahead of a potential transfer to Saudi Arabia. These transfer speculations heightened the stakes for the Villa players, but they were able to focus on delivering a vital performance. As the match unfolded, Aston Villa quickly established a comfortable lead, with Rogers netting two early goals. Despite their strong start, Celtic managed to make a comeback, though Villa ultimately retained control and responded decisively. Watkins, even amid the transfer noise, contributed by scoring and drawing a penalty, despite slipping during his attempt to convert it. Rogers added another goal in stoppage time, ensuring his treble and solidifying Villa's advancement to the tournament knockout stages. The match not only encapsulated Aston Villa's revival in European competitions but also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by clubs grappling with transfer distractions. After the game, excitement buzzed around the implications of the results for both teams, with Celtic facing tougher opponents in the play-offs. For Aston Villa, their stellar performance hinted at a potentially deep run in the Champions League, raising expectations among fans and analysts alike as they look forward to facing high-profile clubs in the next round.