Belgian-Congolese Youri Tielemans ‘very pleased’ after scoring in Aston Villa win at Basel

Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans expressed delight after scoring in Thursday’s 2-1 Europa League victory at FC Basel, a result that keeps the club level atop.

Tielemans, who is of Congolese heritage, struck in the 53rd minute shortly after coming off the bench to restore Villa’s lead following Basel’s equalizer.

His composed finish ensured Villa secured all three points, keeping their group-stage campaign on track.

Villa opened the scoring in the 12th minute when a loose ball from a corner fell to Evann Guessand, who converted from close range.

Basel responded steadily, drawing level in the 34th minute as Flavius Daniliuc poked home a Xherdan Shaqiri free kick.

Tielemans’s strike five minutes after halftime proved decisive, putting the visitors back in front.

The win lifts Villa to 15 points, level with Olympique Lyonnais and Midtjylland at the top of the group phase. Basel remain outside the play-off positions with six points from six matches.

“Very pleased,” said Tielemans afterwards. “It’s a tough place to come to play, the pitch was not the best and I think you could see it in our game, it wasn’t as fluent as we can be.

“I think we could have done better in certain phases of the game, but to go home with a win is really good.”

“Where we are now is very good. Obviously, we have two more games to go, very tough games – away at Fenerbahçe and then at home to Salzburg.

“It’s going to be very difficult, but we just want to win both games and see where we’re at.

“First two spots would be amazing but, if not, then the others and hopefully qualify.”

Villa now prepare for two crucial fixtures: an away trip to Fenerbahçe followed by a home clash with Salzburg.