The Dutch side took the initiative early in the first half through Djavan Anderson, but goals from Michael Drennan and Bradley Lewis secured victory.The visitors made the better start to proceedings, but it was Ajax who edged ahead within 15 minutes as Lesley de Sa pulled the ball back for Anderson to slot the ball home.
It was an advantage that lasted just over 20 minutes as Drennan levelled the tie with his sixth goal of the competition just minutes after seeing a curling effort travel just wide of the post.
Ajax held out until the break, but Villa pressure paid off midway through the second half as Lewis netted to put Villa within touching distance of the last eight.
The Ajax boys were unable to find an equaliser and Villa held firm to become the first team to reach the quarters.
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