Villa survive Celtic scare as Rogers hat trick seals last 16 berth

Unai Emery's side needed a victory in the 'Battle of Britain' at Villa Park to wrap up automatic qualification via a top-eight finish on the final evening of the league phase. They were on course after Rogers became the first player to score twice in the opening five minutes of a Champions League game. In a pulsating tie, Celtic striker Adam Idah ended a 14-game goal drought stretching back to November as he netted twice in quick succession just before half-time.

But, just hours after Arsenal reportedly made a £60 million bid for Ollie Watkins, the 29-year-old restored Villa's advantage after the interval. Watkins also missed a penalty, but Rogers netted the first treble of his career in the final seconds as the 1982 European Cup winners finished in eighth place. After the final whistle, Villa's players gathered on the pitch to check the results of the other games that affected their fate before they could finally celebrate.

Villa will await the winners of the eight two-legged knockout play-off ties featuring the clubs ranked from ninth to 24th in the league phase. Back in the Champions League for the first time since 1982-83, this was another landmark moment for Villa, who memorably beat Bayern Munich earlier this season. Scottish champions Celtic were already guaranteed a spot in February's play-off round after last week's win over Young Boys.

Brendan Rodgers' team, in the knockout stages for the first time in 12 years, finished 21st place and will face holders Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the play-offs, with the opponents to be decided in Friday's draw. Supporters on the Holte End set the tone for a memorable night by unveiling a Tifo banner of snarling Black Sabbath singer and noted Villa fan Ozzy Osbourne before kick-off.