Soccer-Aston Villa seal last-16 spot as Rogers hat-trick sinks Celtic


Soccer Football - Champions League - Aston Villa v Celtic - Villa Park Birmingham Britain - January 29 2025 Aston Villas Morgan Rogers scores their fourth goal to complete a hat-trick REUTERSHannah Mckay

Soccer Football - Champions League - Aston Villa v Celtic - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - January 29, 2025 Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers scores their fourth goal to complete a hat-trick REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

BIRMINGHAM, England (Reuters) - 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.

(Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Ed Osmond)

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