Aston Villa maintained their perfect start to the Champions League on Wednesday with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Norwegian side Viking, strengthening their bid for a top-eight finish in the league phase.
Ross Barkley opened the scoring midway through the first half before Emiliano Buendia converted a penalty to double Villa’s advantage at Villa Park.
An own goal by Henrik Heggheim shortly after the hour mark put Unai Emery’s side firmly in control, although Peter Christiansen struck late on to give the visitors a consolation.
Villa have now won all three of their opening Champions League matches, following a 3-2 victory over Club Brugge and a commanding 6-0 win against Fenerbahce.
Their European form has coincided with an upturn in the Premier League, with Villa now having won five of their last six matches in all competitions after a sluggish start to the season.
Viking held six-time European champions Bayern Munich to a 3-3 draw last week, but Villa dominated from the outset on Wednesday.
Nicolas Jackson had two early opportunities to put the hosts ahead, but headed tamely at goalkeeper Arild Ostbo on both occasions.
Villa broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Barkley rose highest to head home Ibrahim Mbaye’s corner.
The hosts doubled their advantage from the penalty spot in the 37th minute after VAR intervened to award a spot-kick for Zlatko Tripic’s foul on Alysson. Buendia stepped up and calmly dispatched the penalty.
Viking began the second half brightly and forced Villa onto the back foot, but Alysson came close to extending the hosts’ lead.
Villa eventually secured a third goal after a swift counter-attack, with Heggheim inadvertently turning Alysson’s effort into his own net.
Christiansen gave the travelling supporters something to cheer in the closing minutes, volleying home superbly from a cross delivered from the right.
The victory leaves Villa well placed to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase, which would guarantee direct qualification for the Champions League last 16.
Villa enjoyed an outstanding 2025-26 campaign, finishing fourth in the Premier League and winning the Europa League to claim their first major trophy in 30 years.
Emery faced a significant rebuilding task following several high-profile departures during the summer transfer window, including Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa, Emiliano Martinez, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne.
However, his revamped squad is beginning to take shape, with new arrivals such as Jackson making an impact. Switzerland forward Johan Manzambi, another recent signing, missed Wednesday’s match through injury.
AFP
