Leon Bailey scored a hat-trick as Aston Villa defeated Scottish champions Celtic 4-2 in the Champions League, securing a top-eight finish in the group stage and avoiding a playoff. Bailey made history with his two goals in the first five minutes, while Adam Idah scored twice for Celtic to briefly level the score.
Aston Villa forward Leon Bailey celebrated a memorable 4-2 Champions League victory over Scottish champions Celtic on Wednesday, January 29. The 22-year-old netted a hat-trick, helping Unai Emery's side secure a top-eight finish in the revamped league phase and avoid a potentially challenging two-legged playoff.
Bailey's scoring spree began in the third minute, followed swiftly by a second goal just two minutes later, making him the first player in Champions League history to score twice within the first five minutes. Celtic striker Adam Idah responded with a remarkable two-minute goal blitz, finding the net in the 36th and 38th minutes to level the score at 2-2. Arsenal-linked Ollie Watkins entered the fray in the 60th minute, adding to Villa's tally before Bailey completed the scoring in added time, securing a resounding win for the Premier League outfit. Bailey is enjoying a stellar season at Villa, starting all 31 of his games across all competitions, contributing ten goals, and providing five assists in his 2599 minutes of action. Villa will learn their Round of 16 opponents after the playoff stage, with European giants like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, and Man City finishing below them. Emery's focus will shift back to domestic duties on Saturday, January 31, as they face local rivals Wolves in the Premier League
Champions League Aston Villa Celtic Leon Bailey Hat-Trick
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