Another sterling performance by Marco Asensio saw Aston Villa secure a spot in the FA cup quarter-finals, a feat not achieved since their 2015 final appearance. Manager Unai Emery’s side has been unpredictable this season, yet they’re still in the running for a top-five Premier League spot and are set to square off against Club Brugge in a last-16 tie on Tuesday.
Cardiff City, currently battling relegation fears in the EFL Championship, gave Villa a run for their money. However, Asensio, on a loan stint from PSG, replicated his impressive performance against Chelsea, scoring twice. His first goal was a result of an assist from Marcus Rashford.
The decisive goal came in the last ten minutes of the game. Leon Bailey, from the right byline, set up the play which was dummied by Ollie Watkins, allowing Asensio, the ex-Real Madrid forward, to calmly send the ball home.
The match was marked by tributes to Peter Whittingham, a player who had served both teams with honor and passed away five years ago in March. Cardiff fans, in particular, were vocal in their support during this high-stakes match.
Aston Villa had not advanced to the fifth round since 2014-15, while Cardiff’s last appearance was a year prior. Despite the impending Tuesday fixtures, both teams fielded strong lineups. Villa, in particular, could have opted for more rotation, considering their upcoming Champions League match in Bruges. However, both Asensio and Rashford were part of the five changes made, resulting in an aggressive attacking strategy.
The game quickly evolved into a battle of attack versus defense, with John McGinn and Youri Tielemans anchoring Villa’s midfield. Cardiff’s defense was commendable, but the constant ball-chasing was noticeably tiring.
Rashford, who is rumored to be considering making his loan from Manchester United permanent, showed flashes of brilliance but will need to work on his scoring skills to make the mutual admiration concrete. He missed a clear opportunity, sending his volley over the bar from six yards out when Bailey delivered a cross from the byline.
Cardiff fans mockingly chanted “Champions League, you’re having a laugh”, as Villa struggled more than anticipated. Rashford’s high point of the first half came when he set up Watkins with a header from Ian Maatsen, only for Watkins’ close-range volley to be saved by Ethan Horvath.