Aston Villa booked their place in the Europa League last 16 on Thursday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Fenerbahce, while Celtic’s qualification hopes were dented after surrendering a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw with Bologna.

Jadon Sancho’s first-half header in Istanbul proved decisive, earning Villa a sixth win in seven European matches. The result secured a top-eight finish, allowing Unai Emery’s side to skip the knockout play-offs.

Villa came close to extending their lead after the break when Matty Cash struck the post, and they were forced to dig deep late on as goalkeeper Marco Bizot made several crucial saves under sustained Fenerbahce pressure.

“I’m just happy to get my first goal for Aston Villa and to cap it with a win,” said Sancho, on loan from Manchester United. “I know I can give a lot more, but it helps having a manager who believes in you. Every chance I get, I’ll give everything.”

Villa sit second in the table on 18 points, level with leaders Lyon but behind on goal difference after the French side sealed their own last-16 spot with a 1-0 win at Young Boys.

Celtic, meanwhile, were left frustrated in Italy. Reo Hatate’s early opener put them ahead, but the midfielder was sent off on 34 minutes. Auston Trusty doubled the lead before half-time, only for Bologna to rally through goals from Thijs Dallings and Jonathan Rowe.

The draw leaves Celtic 23rd in the 36-team standings and at risk of being overtaken by teams still in action. The Scottish champions host Utrecht in their final group match next week.

“It was a tough ask, but the team showed real mentality,” Trusty said. “It’s disappointing not to get all three points, but it’s something to build on.”

Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest will look to make it four wins in five European outings when Sean Dyche’s side face Braga in Portugal.