Maatsen hails clean sheet and victory

In Aston Villa’s 2-0 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv, Ian Maatsen was pleased to secure all three points and keep a crucial clean sheet.

In first half injury time, the Dutchman scored his first goal of the season with a superb finish from a tight angle.

And shortly before the hour mark, Villa’s lead was increased by fellow countryman Donyell Malen from the penalty spot.

“Being at home with the fans feels great,” Maatsen said to VillaTV.

“Two good goals and a clean sheet.

“Very pleased and very happy.”

“This win is a very good win for us towards our goal,” he continued.

“We have to go game by game, recuperate, and return our attention to the league before moving on to the other games following the international break.”

After Matchday 4, the victory puts Unai Emery’s team in sixth place with nine points in the UEFA Europa League standings.

Up until Maatsen’s first goal, the match at Villa Park was cagey. From an acute angle, the aggressive left-back slammed the ball past Maccabi goalkeeper Roi Mishpati and into the net off the underside of the crossbar.

He stated, “I tried to just make things happen in the last third.”

Because I had to find the correct pass at the moment, I was occasionally a little frustrated.

“But we persisted, and I was in the right place today.”