Aston Villa vs Celtic as it happened: Morgan Rogers hat-trick seals Champions League thriller

Thrilling Battle of Britain produces five-goal thriller
Jonathan Gorrie
29 January 2025

Morgan Rogers scored hat-trick and Ollie Watkins opened his Champions League account as Aston Villa beat Celtic 4-2 in a breathtaking game to seal their last-16 spot on Wednesday.

Rogers gave Villa a barnstorming start by scoring twice inside the opening five minutes, first steering in from close range and then planting a sublime dipping shot past Celtic keeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Scottish league leaders Celtic, who like Villa were already assured of at least a playoff place, stormed back before halftime as Adam Idah stunned the hosts with a quick-fire double.

Watkins restored Villa's lead after a flowing move on the hour but scooped a penalty horribly over the crossbar to ensure a nervous finale at Villa Park.

Rogers wrapped it up in a stoppage time to complete his hat-trick. They will face either Sporting Lisbon, Club Brugge, Atalanta or Borussia Dortmund in the next round, with those teams first having to overcome a two-legged play-off.

Celtic will meet either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.

Live updates

Good night!

Thanks for joining Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Aston Villa’s win over Celtic!

Find our match report below!

Rogers hat-trick seals thrilling Aston Villa win over Celtic

Morgan Rogers scored a hat-trick as Aston Villa ensured they finished in the top eight of the Champions League table by beating Celtic 4-2.

The Scottish champions will progress into next month’s knockout round, while Unai Emery’s side head straight into the last-16.

Morgan Rogers celebrates scoring for Aston Villa against Celtic
Getty Images

FT: Aston Villa 4-2 Celtic

90 mins: It’s over!

What a game.

GOAL! Aston Villa 4-2 Celtic | Morgan Rogers '90

90 mins: GOAL!

Morgan Rogers has his hat-trick!

Aston Villa 3-2 Celtic

85 mins: Would be foolish to suggest there won’t be another goal here...

Aston Villa 3-2 Celtic

80 mins: Brilliant save from Schmeichel to deny Rogers!

Villa should be out of sight here...

Aston Villa 3-2 Celtic

71 mins: Hatate sends one just wide! Would have been some goal.

Aston Villa 3-2 Celtic

66 mins: WHAT A MISS!

Watkins slips and balloons the ball over the bar!

Aston Villa 3-2 Celtic

PENALTY TO VILLA! Trusty brings down Watkins.

GOAL! Aston Villa 3-2 Celtic | Ollie Watkins '59

59 mins: GOAL!

Celtic exposed at the back as Villa counter. Ramsey rolls across for Watkins to finish!

Latest updatesOlder updates