Asensio was the star of the show for Aston Villa
Aston Villa 2 - 0 Cardiff City
Marco Asensio was the star of the show for Aston Villa again as he helped them secure a deserved 2-0 win over Championship strugglers Cardiff City in the FA Cup.
The hosts maintained control throughout the match but faced a strong performance from visiting goalkeeper Ethan Horvath, who made several crucial saves to keep Cardiff competitive.
In a clash of attack versus defense, the hosts struggled to break down Cardiff's low block. However, they eventually found the breakthrough when Marco Asensio scored from a precise cross by Marcus Rashford.
Asensio secured the win in the 80th minute with another clinical finish, converting a cross from Leon Bailey. This was his fourth goal since joining on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in January.
This could still be a landmark year for Aston Villa
This year for Villa could yet be one for the history books, with Unai Emery’s side still in the hunt for silverware on two fronts. While they continue their push for European qualification in the Premier League, they remain firmly in contention for FA Cup glory, something they haven’t achieved since 1957.
Emery’s team selection spoke volumes about Villa’s intent. He named a full-strength XI in contrast to a heavily rotated Cardiff City side. The visitors handed a debut to 19-year-old academy graduate Dylan Lawlor, highlighting the difference in priorities between the two teams.
Villa wasted little time asserting their dominance. Cardiff goalkeeper Ethan Horvath was quickly called into action, making an early save from Marcus Rashford’s free-kick before comfortably dealing with John McGinn’s effort. The American shot-stopper was soon at full stretch to deny Ollie Watkins, who had broken through one-on-one.
Last time out for | Villa 4 - 1 Palace
By the 23rd minute, Villa had already racked up nine attempts on goal, pinning Cardiff deep inside their own box. Leon Bailey’s thunderous volley forced another fine stop from Horvath, while Rashford blazed over from Bailey’s cross. The visitors were barely hanging on, and Horvath had to produce yet another outstanding save to keep out Watkins just before the break.
Horvath, stepping up after an injury ruled out Jak Alnwick for the season, continued his heroics in the second half. He parried another McGinn effort in the 49th minute before producing a fingertip save to push away Rashford’s long-range strike.
Villa v Cardiff highlights Reaction coming up on European Super Football youtu.be/ERJwQzSGJfQ?...
— Super News Affiliate (@sup3rnew5affiliate.bsky.social) 2 March 2025 at 16:13
[image or embed]
But Villa’s relentless pressure eventually told. In the 68th minute, Youri Tielemans picked out Rashford in space, and the England international cut the ball back for Marco Asensio to sweep a precise finish into the bottom corner. The relief inside Villa Park was evident—this had been a dominant display, and finally, they had their breakthrough.
They could and should have been out of sight well before the second goal arrived 10 minutes from time. Bailey’s cross found Asensio unmarked in the area, and the Spanish midfielder made no mistake, drilling a low shot through a crowded box as Cardiff’s weary defenders failed to react.
Asensio’s double means he has now scored four goals in just two starts for Villa, underlining his growing influence in Emery’s squad.
Morgan Rogers had a late chance to add further gloss to the scoreline, but it mattered little. Villa had amassed 25 shots, won 12 corners, and registered close to 60 touches inside Cardiff’s penalty area—a performance of complete control.
With their FA Cup dream still alive, Villa will now turn their attention back to the league, where they continue their push for European football.
