Aston Villa's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, left, and Celtic's goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel hug each other after the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.
Morgan Rogers' Hat-Trick Guides Aston Villa To Victory, Securing Top-Eight Spot
Morgan Rogers struck a brilliant hat-trick to guide Aston Villa to a 4-2 victory over Celtic. The triumph secured Aston Villa a spot in the top eight, thereby winning automatic entry into the last 16. Rogers was ruthless early on, with two quickfire goals inside the first five minutes. His first was from close range, and the second was a lovely dipping shot beyond the Celtic keeper, Kasper Schmeichel. Celtic finally pulled back into a game within the span of two minutes, courtesy of Adam Idah's double strike; one in the 36th minute and another in 38 minutes, pulling things back into a 2-2 stalemate. The game was frantic in pace as Ollie Watkins restored the lead for Villa in the 60th minute only to squander a penalty kick shortly thereafter, thus raising the tensions. In stoppage time, Rogers completed his hat trick and tucked the ball into the net to provide the hosts with an invaluable win, which saw Aston Villa finish eighth in the league stage. Celtic tried valiantly but ended up crumpling into a heap of despair.
Champions League 2024-25: Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal
| Photo: AP/Rui Vieira
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, right, celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.
Champions League 2024-25: Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers scores a goal
| Photo: AP/Rui Vieira
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers scores his side's fourth goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.
Champions League 2024-25: Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans speaks with Celtic's goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel
| Photo: AP/Rui Vieira
Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans, second right, speaks with Celtic's goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel before a penalty during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.
Champions League 2024-25: Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins misses to score a penalty
| Photo: AP/Rui Vieira
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins misses to score a penalty during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.
Champions League 2024-25: Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins celebrates after scoring his side's third goal
| Photo: AP/Rui Vieira
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.
Champions League 2024-25: Aston Villa's head coach Unai Emery
| Photo: AP/Rui Vieira
Aston Villa's head coach Unai Emery instructs his players during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.
Champions League 2024-25: Aston Villa's Leon Bailey and Celtic's Greg Taylor fight for the ball
| Photo: AP/Rui Vieira
Aston Villa's Leon Bailey, left, and Celtic's Greg Taylor fight for the ball during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.
Champions League 2024-25: Celtic's Adam Idah reacts after scoring his side's first goal
| Photo: AP/Rui Vieira
Celtic's Adam Idah reacts after scoring his side's first goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.
Champions League 2024-25: Aston Villa's Boubacar Kamara holds Celtic's Adam Idah
| Photo: AP/Rui Vieira
Aston Villa's Boubacar Kamara, right, holds Celtic's Adam Idah during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.
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