Match Summary
Aston Villa defeated Celtic 4:2. The match was played in UEFA Champions League 2024. Goals were scored by M. Rogers 3′, M. Rogers 5′, A. Idah 36′, A. Idah 38′, O. Watkins 60′, Ollie Watkins 67′, M. Rogers 90′. Aston Villa had 58% possession while Celtic held 42%. Aston Villa had 20 shots (8 on target) compared to 6 (4 on target) for Celtic. Expected goals: Aston Villa 3.79 — Celtic 0.82. Aston Villa made 2 substitutions, Celtic made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Aston Villa and Celtic — 7 goals and 0 cards recorded during the match.
assist: J. Ramsey
assist: O. Watkins
assist: R. Hatate
assist: J. Ramsey
Missed Penalty
assist: O. Watkins
Match Statistics
Aston Villa had 58% possession against Celtic's 42%. Aston Villa registered 20 shots (8 on target) while Celtic managed 6 (4 on target). Corner kicks: 4–4. Fouls committed: 4–15.
Lineups
Aston Villa lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Unai Emery, while Celtic deployed a 4-3-3 under B. Rodgers.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Aston Villa is 6.90, compared to 6.57 for Celtic. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Aston Villa's highest-rated starter is Y. Tielemans (7.18), while Celtic's best-rated player is A. Johnston (6.90).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Aston Villa have contributed 21 goals and 19 assists this season, led by O. Watkins (9G). Celtic's starters account for 0 goals and 0 assists, spearheaded by —. Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Aston Villa deploy 4 defenders rated 6.97 on average, against Celtic's 4-man backline averaging 6.90. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Aston Villa field 5 midfielders averaging 6.86, versus Celtic's 3 rated 6.63. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Aston Villa start 1 forward(s) averaging 6.73, compared to 3 for Celtic averaging 6.15. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 82% for Aston Villa and 78% for Celtic. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Aston Villa's starters have collected 31 yellow cards this season, compared to 1 for Celtic. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Aston Villa's starting XI is 27.7 (youngest: L. Bogarde (21), oldest: E. Martínez (33)), while Celtic average 25.0 (youngest: A. Engels (22), oldest: R. Hatate (28)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Aston Villa's starters average 26 league appearances each, versus 2 for Celtic. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Aston Villa have recorded 3 wins, 0 draws and 3 defeats. Celtic show 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Aston Villa
Celtic
API data: 15 Mar 2026