Aston Villa beats Viking to remain perfect in UEFA Champions League 2026-27

Aston Villa's Emiliano Buendia celebrates with Ross Barkley after scoring his side’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026-27 match against Viking FK. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Aston Villa maintained its perfect start to UEFA Champions League 2026-27 on Wednesday, cruising to a 3-1 win against Norwegian side Viking to strengthen its push for a top-eight finish in the league phase.

Ross Barkley put the dominant home side ahead midway through the first half, and Emiliano Buendia stroked home a penalty to double its lead at Villa Park.

An own goal from Henrik Heggheim shortly after the hour mark made the game all but safe for Villa, though the visitor grabbed a late consolation.

Unai Emery’s new-look team has now won all of its opening three Champions League matches following an opening 3-2 victory against Club Brugge and a 6-0 mauling of Fenerbahce.

An upturn in fortunes in the Premier League means Villa has now won five out of six games in all competitions - a dramatic turnaround after a slow start to the season.

Viking drew 3-3 with six-time European champion Bayern Munich last week, but the home team was dominant from the start on Wednesday. Nicolas Jackson had two free headers, both of which he headed tamely at goalkeeper Arild Ostbo.

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The opener came in the 23rd minute when midfielder Barkley rose to nod home Ibrahim Mbaye’s corner.

Villa doubled its lead from the penalty spot in the 37th minute when Zlatko Tripic was penalised for a foul on Alysson after a VAR review. Buendia stepped up and nonchalantly stroked the ball home.

The visitor started the second half brightly, forcing Villa back, but Alysson was inches away from extending Villa’s lead. And it had a three-goal cushion after Heggheim deflected Alysson’s effort into the net following a swift counter-attack.

Peter Christiansen gave the away fans something to cheer in the final few minutes with a superb volley following a cross from the right.

Victory leaves Villa well placed to finish in the top eight, which would guarantee direct qualification for the last 16 of Europe’s top club competition.

Villa enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 season, finishing fourth in the Premier League and winning the Europa League - its first major trophy for 30 years.

Emery was faced with the task of a huge rebuild after a series of high-profile departures during the summer transfer window, including Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa, Emiliano Martinez, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne.

But his new side is rapidly taking shape, helped by new signings such as Jackson and Switzerland forward Johan Manzambi, who missed Wednesday’s match with an injury.