LONDON, May 15, CMC – Reggae Boy Leon Bailey has hailed a “brilliant night” after scoring to help Aston Villa thrash Ajax 4-0 on Thursday and reach the quarter-finals of a major European tournament for the first time in 26 years.
The in-form winger found the target on the hour mark at Villa Park, doubling the home side’s lead after Ollie Watkins had put them ahead in the 25th minute in the all-important second leg of the European Conference League tie.
Jhon Durán (75th) and Moussa Diaby (81st) completed Villa’s domination after Sivert Mannsverk was sent off in the 66th, Unai Emery’s side winning 4-0 on aggregate following a goalless first leg in Amsterdam.
“It feels amazing to be in the quarter-finals of European football,” Bailey said afterward.
“We’ve worked hard for it to be in Europe since last season.
“To be here and reach the quarter-finals is an amazing feeling—not just for the players but also for the fans. We have to enjoy this moment.”
He continued: “Tonight was brilliant for the whole team and the fans. The atmosphere, I think, was clever, and we’re just pleased about the result.
“I think we showed good spirit, good character, and a lot of quality, and we really made it very difficult for them.”
Watkins eluded his marker and produced a bullet header from eight yards out, giving Villa a 1-0 lead at the break.
Bailey then conjured up his 12th goal of a stellar season when he collected a pass outside the 18-yard box, weaved his way into the area, turned 18-year-old center-back Jorrel Hato, and drilled a low finish past goalkeeper Brian Brobbey at the far post.
The goal was Bailey’s fourth in Europe this season, extending a superb run of form in the competition.
“I was just happy I could get the second goal because I think it was much needed,” the 26-year-old said.
Villa’s win came after a humbling 4-0 defeat to Spurs last weekend in the Premier League, and Bailey said the performance against Ajax had been crucial for confidence.
“It’s important to come back here at Villa Park and show a great performance like we did,” Bailey said.
“Spurs was a very, very difficult game.
“It’s always important to bounce back as fast as possible, and I think this game is definitely going to give us a lot of confidence and motivation for Sunday.
“We just have to enjoy this moment and be ready to go again on Sunday.” Spurs take on West Ham at the weekend.
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