Marco Asensio Brace scored twice as Aston Villa comfortably defeated Championship side Cardiff City 2-0 at Villa Park, securing their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Villa dominated the match, but were initially frustrated by a superb performance from Cardiff goalkeeper Ethan Horvath.
The breakthrough finally came in the 68th minute. Youri Tielemans found Marcus Rashford in space, and Rashford’s precise cutback was swept home by Asensio into the bottom corner. Asensio doubled his tally, and sealed the victory, in the 80th minute, firing through a crowded penalty area after Leon Bailey’s cross found him unmarked.
The result continues Villa’s impressive 2025, with Unai Emery’s side still competing for silverware in both the FA Cup and the Champions League, as well as chasing European qualification in the Premier League. Villa are aiming to win the FA Cup for the first time since 1957 and secure their first domestic trophy since 1996. Asensio Brace
Emery’s Strong Lineup and Horvath’s Heroics
Unai Emery demonstrated his commitment to the FA Cup by naming a strong starting XI, in stark contrast to Cardiff manager Omer Riza, who made six changes and handed a debut to 19-year-old academy graduate Dylan Lawlor.
Despite Villa’s dominance, Cardiff goalkeeper Ethan Horvath, deputizing for the injured Jak Alnwick, produced a series of outstanding saves to keep his team in the contest. He denied Marcus Rashford (twice), John McGinn (twice), Ollie Watkins (twice), and Leon Bailey in a man-of-the-match performance.
Villa’s attacking pressure was relentless, producing 25 shots and winning 12 corners. They had close to 60 touches inside Cardiff box. However, Asensio’s clinical finishing ultimately proved the difference. The Spaniard, on loan from Paris St-Germain, has now scored four goals in two starts for Villa. Morgan Rogers missed a late chance to add to the winning margin.
Cardiff’s Focus on Championship Survival
Cardiff City’s priorities clearly lie in securing their Championship status. Manager Omer Riza admitted before the match that he could “not afford” to prioritize the FA Cup, given their precarious league position.
The Bluebirds, who have endured their worst start to a league campaign, rarely threatened to cause an upset. A potential penalty claim in the first half, when Lamine Bogarde made slight contact with Perry Ng, was waved away. Former Villa player Anwar El Ghazi, who pre-match emerged with his children in shirts from both teams, was caught offside during one of Cardiff rare ventures forward. The first instance of Semi-Automated Offside Technology in competitive matches in English football. Cardiff’s best chance fell to substitute Yousef Salech, whose shot was saved by Emi Martinez shortly before Villa’s opening goal.
The match also paid tribute to the late midfielder Peter Whittingham, who played for both clubs.
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