Aston Villa beat Viking 3-1 at Villa Park in the Champions League. Ross Barkley’s header and Emiliano Buendia’s penalty established a first-half lead before Alysson’s cross went in off Henrik Heggheim. Peter Christiansen replied late for the Norwegian visitors, whose improved second half could not undo the advantage Villa had built.
Aston Villa defeated Norway’s Viking 3-1 at Villa Park in the Champions League. Viking improved after the interval but could not recover the match.[1], [2]
Ross Barkley opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, heading in Ibrahim Mbaye’s corner. Before that breakthrough, Viking goalkeeper Arild Ostbo had kept out Nicolas Jackson’s headers, while a deflected Joao Gomes cross hit the bar and went behind.[1]
Villa doubled their lead through Emiliano Buendia’s penalty in the 37th minute. Zlatko Tripic’s challenge on Alysson initially passed without play being stopped, before referee Sebastian Gishamer awarded the spot-kick following video review. Ostbo had already frustrated Mbaye and Buendia in open play, including saving a close-range header. Villa carried their advantage into half-time as the visitors struggled to contain those attacks.[1]
Alysson’s cross struck Henrik Heggheim and went into Viking’s net in the 62nd minute, with the goal credited as an own goal. Earlier in the half, Zion Suzuki had gathered Tobias Moi’s long-range effort. Villa also missed chances, with Buendia denied and Alysson shooting wide when through on goal. Viking’s reply came in the 84th minute when Peter Christiansen volleyed in Kristoffer Askildsen’s cross.[1]
