Manzambi and Jackson open the lead

Aston Villa led after 12 minutes at Villa Park, when John McGinn's corner landed at the feet of Johan Manzambi, who was celebrating his 21st birthday, and his shot deflected off Milan Skriniar into the net. Fenerbahce had openings of their own, and Zion Suzuki denied Vedat Muriqi twice, also collecting a weak effort from Mason Greenwood. Villa doubled their advantage in the 31st minute, when Boubacar Kamara won possession high up the pitch and Nicolas Jackson drilled a low finish into the corner from 18 yards. Oguz Aydin then hit the crossbar for the visitors. In the 39th minute Ross Barkley set Jackson up again, and the hosts led 3-0 at the interval.

Barkley, the penalty and the final score

Barkley scored the first of his two second-half goals from the penalty spot in the 68th minute, after Ismail Yuksek had tripped Manzambi. Jackson, who was on course for a hat-trick, did not step up to take the kick. Barkley then scored a fifth with a deflected strike from the edge of the box, and Tammy Abraham tapped in late to complete the 6-0 win.

The result was Villa's biggest ever European victory and their first home win of the season, following their opening Champions League win over Club Brugge.

Greenwood's return to English football

Mason Greenwood was booed every time he touched the ball, and the crowd also sang chants of a less pleasant nature. His previous appearance in England came for Manchester United in a 1-0 win over West Ham in January 2022, and he now plays for Fenerbahce, the side beaten 6-0. In 2022 he was charged with attempted rape, the offence of controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and he denied the charges. The Crown Prosecution Service ended the case in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew and fresh material emerged. The Villa supporters began the booing as the teams were announced, and the stadium, about three-quarters full, made its feelings clear from then on.

Results and what follows

The Prince of Wales watched from the stands and appeared pleased with the display. Jackson now has five goals for Villa since his £65m move from Chelsea in the summer. Villa, who had failed to win at home earlier this season, are on two wins from two in the league phase. Their next match is at home to Viking in the week of 19 October, and a victory would keep them on track to progress from the league phase.