By Aston Villa FC

Unai Emery hailed a fantastic night for Aston Villa after his side qualified for the UEFA Champions League round of 16 with a 4-2 triumph against Celtic.

Villa Park was rocking before, during and after the match as the home side secured the result that helped them achieve an eighth-place finish in the league phase.

Emery was delighted with how the Villa faithful helped his team through the occasion, making it three wins from four home games in the competition.

Aston Villa v Celtic.

“Fantastic. We achieved it here with our supporters in Villa Park,” he said.

“We created a strong atmosphere. The supporters were enjoying with us and transmitting their energy and helping us. Our way here is being very consistent.

“In the Champions League, we enjoy it here and we won matches. We’re feeling strong here through our supporters. They are helping us.

“We are happy to share it with them, with all Villa fans being proud of everything we are doing. We will keep going and going.”

Morgan Rogers scored a hat-trick and Ollie Watkins bagged the other as the home side fought their way to a vital three points.

Morgan Rogers made history in the Champions League

Coupled with results elsewhere, the win moved Villa up a place in the standings and booked their place in the round of 16.

Emery reflected: “Morgan Rogers was fantastic and the team were fantastic.

“We controlled the game in the first half until their first goal like we want, but I was very demanding with the players in the dressing room at half-time.

“When we are playing better we are keeping ball possession, getting good positions and being patient. We conceded the possibilities for them to attack us.

“In the second half, we did fantastic. There were things we did not do very well in the first half, but overall, we played a fantastic match.”