Aston Villa maintained their flawless start to the Champions League campaign with a 3-1 victory over Viking at Villa Park. Goals from Ross Barkley and Emiliano Buendia, alongside an own goal created by Alysson, secured three wins from three for Unai Emery’s side.
Dominant First Half Sets the Tone
Despite fielding an altered lineup that featured Joao Gomes at right-back, the hosts seized control from the opening whistle against the Norwegian champions. Gomes came close in the early stages when his deflected delivery bounced off the underside of the crossbar.
Villa broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Barkley nodded home a corner delivered by Ibrahim Mbaye. Buendia threatened with a pair of headed opportunities before doubling the advantage from the penalty spot in the 37th minute, converting after a VAR review confirmed that Alysson had been clipped inside the penalty area.
Alysson Shines in Decisive Second Half
Alysson continued to cause problems after the interval, delivering a standout display on the wing. In the 62nd minute, the youngster surged forward from deep and sent in a dangerous cross that Viking defender Henrik Heggheim inadvertently diverted into his own net.
That third strike briefly lifted Villa to the summit of the competition’s league phase. However, an 84th-minute volley from Peter Christiansen, confirmed following a VAR check, gave the visitors a consolation strike and pushed Villa into second place behind Paris Saint-Germain.
The result marked Villa’s 20th victory in the European Cup in just 30 fixtures, a milestone reached faster than any club other than Real Madrid, who achieved it in 29. The win also extended Villa’s home winning streak in major European tournaments to 12 games, matching the longest run by an English side this century. Additionally, they became the first Europa League titleholders since Manchester United in 2017 to open the subsequent Champions League campaign with three consecutive wins.
Post-Match Reactions
Speaking to TNT Sports, Buendia praised the impact of the young wide players: “He was incredible. He’s showing his potential, his ability on the wing. Also Ibrahim Mbaye as well – their speed, their qualities. It’s going to help the team a lot, so it’s very important to have them and to try to help them to improve because they are young talents.”
In his post-match press conference, Emery expressed satisfaction with the squad’s discipline and progression: “We are delighted how we are responding in our demands, respecting the competition of the Champions League and respecting the opponent, and how we are improving things. Through those issues I think we played a good match, collectively, tactically, respecting them, following the plan we set on.”
Emery added that both Mbaye and Alysson took significant strides forward within the team’s system, while also highlighting a sharp substitute appearance from Alejandro Garnacho.
Viking head coach Morten Jensen conceded that his side had shown too much deference during the opening 45 minutes before regrouping after the break. Jensen noted that challenging Villa’s back line in the second half gave his squad a valuable foundation to build upon, particularly after rewarding the more than 2,000 traveling Norwegian fans with a late goal.
Source: SkySports | News
