Only Real Madrid reached 20 European wins faster than Emery’s Aston Villa

Aston Villa reached 20 Champions League wins after a big victory over Viking. Only Real Madrid needed fewer matches to reach that total, Marca notes. The Spanish outlet also says the Madrid club holds the quickest route to 20 wins in the Champions League or European Cup.

Emery made several changes with the next match against Manchester City in mind, including a change to the formation. Joao Gomes started at right-back, while Nico Jackson kept his place up front. The forward was involved in Aston Villa’s first two chances, both headers from crosses by McGinn and Buendía that Ostbo gathered. Jackson then narrowly missed connecting with an Alysson cross, before another Joao Gomes attempt struck the crossbar.

Aston Villa went ahead in the 23rd minute: Mbaye delivered the ball and Barkley met it with a header to put his side in front. Two minutes later, Emi Buendía could not convert a rebound after an Alysson attempt. Tripic then fouled Alysson, and VAR awarded a penalty. Aston Villa wanted a chance to put its disappointment behind it; a subtle shot, tucked against the right post, beat Ostbo.

Viking had offered little threat before the break, managing just one shot, which the Aston Villa defence blocked. But the English side had not put the match beyond reach. Alysson crossed for Emi Buendía, who tried a backheel, and later went one-on-one with Ostbo but sent his effort wide. Peter Christiansen eventually scored for Viking, who had been more competitive in the second half. Aston Villa already had Manchester City on its mind.