Unai Emery hailed John McGinn as the difference-maker after a "fantastic" 2-0 Europa League win over Feyenoord.

Villa clinched their third straight win in all competitions as second-half goals from Emiliano Buendia and McGinn got them over the line in Rotterdam.

Since their return to top-tier European football in 2023–24, only Real Madrid (19), PSG (18), and Bayern Munich (17) have recorded more victories than Villa (16) across European competitions.

Villa have claimed six wins in the Conference League, eight in the Champions League, and two in the Europa League.

Thursday's result ensured that Feyenoord have now lost four consecutive major European matches for the first time since a run of seven defeats between November 2016 and November 2017.

McGinn's goal, meanwhile, means that only Peter Withe (nine) has scored more goals in major European competitions for the Villans than their current captain (eight – level with Gary Shaw), with the Scotsman becoming the first ever player to net in three such appearances for the club in a row, leaving Emery enthused.

"He is challenging as a captain as well," Emery said of McGinn.

"He plays with a lot of emotions, and his motivation is always high. His capacity to respond in the difficult moments [is great].

"When he is playing and we need something more, he's always ready to do it."

Emery was delighted with Villa's all-round display, with his team finally finding some groove after an underwhelming start to 2025-26.

"The match was tough. We were ready to compete and to be resilient. The test we had today was a fantastic test, especially in the first half they had some chances," Emery said. 

"In the second half we dominated more. This is a fantastic win, and we competed fantastically. 

"I'm so proud of how the players responded on the field.

"We are trying to focus everyone on the role they have on the field."

Goalkeeper Marco Bizot was called upon after Emiliano Martinez pulled up with an injury during the warm-up, and the Dutch shot-stopper did not disappoint, making eight saves for the visitors.

Only Thibaut Courtois (4.2) has averaged more saves per 90 minutes than Bizot (4.1) among goalkeepers to make at least 10 appearances in major European competition since the start of last season.

Bizot has made the most saves in the Europa League so far this season (15).   

"There have been players that weren't available. And in the situation with the goalkeeper [Bizot] today, it was fantastic how he replaced Emi Martinez," Emery added.