Aston Villa Beats Viking 3-1 for Third Champions League Victory
Aston Villa maintained its perfect Champions League start by defeating Viking 3–1 at Villa Park on Wednesday, securing a maximum nine points from its opening three league-phase fixtures. Ross Barkley and Emiliano Buendía scored before an own goal sealed the victory for Unai Emery’s side.
“We played a very serious match, disciplined, organised, and then tried to impose ourselves and dominate with our capacity, both collectively and individually,” manager Unai Emery said, according to the My Old Man Said podcast.
Villa controlled the opening half utilizing an unexpected tactical shape featuring a back three of Tyrone Mings, Victor Lindelöf, and Pau Torres without traditional full-backs, alongside hybrid right-back João Gomes. Early opportunities for the hosts included headers from Nicolas Jackson that were saved by Viking goalkeeper Arild Østbø. Barkley broke the deadlock by meeting Ibrahim Mbaye’s corner with a near-post header.
Buendía doubled the lead from the penalty spot following a video review of a challenge by Zlatko Tripić on Alysson. After halftime, Viking increased its attacking pressure, with Tobias Moi testing Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Villa extended its advantage when an Alysson cross deflected into the net off Henrik Heggheim for an own goal. Viking responded late in the 84th minute when Peter Christiansen scored on a volley, but the visitors could not complete a comeback.
Aston Villa Moves Second in Champions League Standings
The victory leaves Aston Villa second in the Champions League standings despite picking up nine points from three matches. Villa’s previous European results include a 3–2 away win against Club Brugge and a 6–0 home victory against Fenerbahçe, where Jackson, Barkley, Johan Manzambi, and Tammy Abraham scored. UEFA’s schedule places Villa away against Barcelona on November 3, followed by an away fixture against Galatasaray on November 24.
Viking entered the match with one point from its opening two league-phase matches, following a 3–1 defeat at Stuttgart and a 3–3 draw against Bayern Munich. Viking’s next fixture brings Sabah to Norway on November 4, ahead of an away match against Atlético de Madrid.
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📝 Aston Villa defeated Norwegian champions Viking 3-1 at Villa Park to extend their perfect Champions League start to three victories. Ross Barkley headed Villa ahead, Emiliano Buendía converted a penalty, and Henrik Heggheim scored an own goal after an influential attacking run… pic.twitter.com/1WSJ9Ltxlt
Aston Villa aren't pulling any punches against Viking FK in the opening 45 minutes of their Champions League clash ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/igD8lWhcJU
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