
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)