Nicolas Jackson scores twice as Aston Villa lead Fenerbahce 3-0 at half-time

Aston Villa are in firm control against Fenerbahce after taking a 3-0 lead into half-time in their UEFA Champions League league-phase match on Wednesday, with Nicolas Jackson scoring twice after Johan Manzambi had opened the scoring.

The visitors made the brighter start and went ahead after 12 minutes. Fenerbahce failed to clear a corner, allowing Johan Manzambi to finish, with the ball taking a deflection off Milan Skriniar on its way into the net.

Fenerbahce responded positively despite falling behind and created several opportunities to equalise. Vedat Muriqi was denied twice by the Aston Villa goalkeeper, while Oguz Aydın came close in the 34th minute when his effort struck the crossbar.

Aston Villa were more clinical, however, and punished Fenerbahce after winning possession in midfield. Boubacar Kamara recovered the ball in the 31st minute and supplied Nicolas Jackson, who doubled the lead with a powerful right-footed finish.

The Senegalese striker struck again eight minutes later. After combining with Ross Barkley, Jackson found the bottom-left corner with another well-placed shot to complete his double.

The two goals continue Jackson’s strong run of form and leave Aston Villa in an excellent position with the second half still to play. Fenerbahce must improve both defensively and in front of goal if they are to fight their way back into the match.