Lille's Yusuf Yazici Goes Down In Club History, But Aston Villa Make Europa Conference League Semis

Lille's Turkish midfielder Yusuf Yazici became his club's all-time top scorer in the European competitions on Thursday with 12 goals, but English opponents Aston Villa qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League semifinals.

Yazici, who moved to Lille from Türkiye's Trabzonspor in 2019, scored once against Aston Villa at Pierre Mauroy Stadium to be Lille's all-time top scorer in European competitions with 12 goals.

But Aston Villa won 4-3 on penalties after a 3-3 draw on aggregate.

Yazici and Benjamin Andre scored to put Lille ahead in France, but Aston Villa right-back Matty Cash's late goal forced the extra time.

The visitors' Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved twice in the penalty shootout to clinch the English side's victory.

Unai Emery's Aston Villa will face Greek opponents Olympiacos in the semifinal stage of the Europa Conference League, which will begin in May. -