Aston Villa maintained their perfect start to the Champions League on Wednesday, cruising to a 3-1 win against Norwegian side Viking to strengthen their push for a top-eight finish in the league phase.
The Aston Villa Viking 3-1 result at Villa Park was rarely in doubt after a dominant first half from Unai Emery’s side.
Aston Villa Viking 3-1: Barkley and Buendia strike in the first half
Ross Barkley put the dominant home side ahead in the 23rd minute, rising to nod home Ibrahim Mbaye’s corner. Emiliano Buendia then stroked home a penalty in the 37th minute to double the lead, after Zlatko Tripic was penalised for a foul on Alysson following a VAR review.
An own goal from Henrik Heggheim shortly after the hour mark made the game all but safe for Villa, the defender deflecting Alysson’s effort into the net after a swift counter-attack. Peter Christiansen gave the travelling fans something to cheer in the closing minutes with a superb volley from a cross on the right.
“We played a very safe match,” Villa boss Unai Emery told TNT Sports. “First half, we dominated; we were feeling comfortable. The second half we started not like the first half and conceded some corners. In 90 minutes overall we were better and dominated more than less. We’re so happy how we’re getting those three points.”
A remarkable turnaround season
Villa have now won all three of their opening Champions League matches, following a 3-2 victory against Club Brugge and a 6-0 mauling of Fenerbahce. An upturn in Premier League form means they have won five out of six games in all competitions, a dramatic turnaround after a slow start to the season.
Viking had drawn 3-3 with six-time European champions Bayern Munich last week, which made Villa’s control of the game more impressive. Nicolas Jackson missed two free headers in the first half, directing both tamely at goalkeeper Arild Ostbo, while Alysson was inches away from extending the lead early in the second half.
The context around this Villa side makes the run stand out. They finished fourth in the Premier League last season and won the Europa League, their first major trophy for 30 years. Emery then faced a huge rebuild after a series of high-profile summer departures, including Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa, Emiliano Martinez, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne. New signings such as Jackson and Switzerland forward Johan Manzambi, who missed Wednesday’s match through injury, are helping the new side take shape fast.
Top eight in sight
Victory leaves Villa well placed to finish in the top eight of the league phase, which guarantees direct qualification for the last 16 of Europe’s top club competition.
Our own European coverage gives the wider picture: the Arsenal-Bayern draw and Madrid’s perfect run set the pace at the top, while Como’s thrashing of Manchester United showed how quickly fortunes change in this format. Villa’s three-from-three record puts them firmly among the early pacesetters.
Frequently asked questions
Who scored for Aston Villa against Viking?
Ross Barkley, Emiliano Buendia from the penalty spot, and an own goal by Henrik Heggheim. Peter Christiansen replied for Viking.
What is Aston Villa’s Champions League record this season?
Three wins from three: Club Brugge 3-2, Fenerbahce 6-0 and Viking 3-1.
Why does the top eight matter?
The top eight teams in the league phase qualify directly for the last 16, avoiding a two-legged play-off round.
