Asensio double fires Aston Villa into the FA Cup Quarter Final

Aston Villa put their name in the hat for the FA Cup Quarter Final after a comfortable 2-0 win over Championship side Cardiff City at Villa Park.

The visitors frustrated Unai Emery’s side during the first half but Villa eventually broke through after 68 minutes thanks to loanee Marco Asensio.

Cardiff goalkeeper Ethan Horvath produced a man-of-the-match performance, making seven saves before Villa eventually took the lead.

Fellow loanee Marcus Rashford impressed and was involved in the goal when he broke down the wing before cutting back for Asensio to slot home and make it 1-0.

The Championship side had calls for a penalty in the first half but the officials deemed the challenge fair in the only real talking point from the Welsh side.

Villa scored their second goal 10 minutes from time, booking their place in the next round. They will wait for the draw on Sunday night following the Manchester United vs Fulham game.

Tribute to El Ghazi

Aston Villa fans paid tribute to former Villan Anwar El Ghazi who was on the losing side. The Dutch winger spoke before the game, and how he was looking forward to playing in front of the Holte End again. At the final whistle, El Ghazi, who spent four years at Villa Park and scored in the Championship Playoff final walked around the ground, paying particular attention to the Holte End who in return serenaded him.

After the game, El Ghazi posted on his X page: “Thank you Aston Villa fans for the amazing reception. It was an emotional night for me and my family and one which will stay with me forever. Aston Villa holds, and will always hold, a special place in my heart.”