Aston Villa made it three wins from three in the Champions League with a 3-1 victory over Viking at Villa Park. Ross Barkley headed Unai Emery's side in front midway through the first half, and Emiliano Buendia's penalty made it two before the break. Alysson's run then led to an own goal for the third, with only Peter Christiansen's late volley taking Villa off top spot.
Bayern Munich struggled against the Norwegian champions last week, but Villa were in control from the start despite a makeshift look to the side with Joao Gomes at right-back. Barkley nodded in Ibrahim Mbaye's corner soon after, and Buendia came close with two good headed chances. The Argentine made amends from the penalty spot when a VAR check ruled that Alysson had been clipped inside the box.
The young winger was the best player on the pitch, producing surely his best performance in a Villa shirt. He was instrumental in the third goal too, racing through from deep, and Henrik Heggheim could only divert his cross past his own goalkeeper. That goal took Villa into top spot in this league phase, with the crowd chanting 'We are top of the league' afterwards.
Christiansen's brilliant late volley, awarded after a VAR check, dropped Villa back to second behind PSG. Buendia praised Alysson as incredible, while Emery said the team was improving and had played a good match collectively and tactically. Villa, as the tifo before kick-off reminded fans, have conquered before and are prepared for more.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing