Photo Credit: Sky Sports

Matthew Wilkinson

Sun 23 February 2025 12:02, UK

Aston Villa came from a goal behind to pick up three points with a thrilling 3-2 win against Chelsea on Saturday (22 February) to bolster their hopes of securing Champions League football.

The Blues took an early ninth-minute lead when Enzo Fernandez found the back of the net at Villa Park, but Unai Emery’s side fought back to win the game after a brace from Marco Asensio.

The Spain international played his first full Premier League fixture for the club against Chelsea, and he rewarded his manager for keeping him on by scoring a late winner in the 89th minute.

Asensio was given a helping hand with his second goal as Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen made a mistake by letting the ball slip underneath him.

It was a much-needed win for Villa after a five-game run without one in the Premier League, which had seen them slip down the table.

Villa will be back in action on Tuesday (25 February) against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Marco Asensio feels at home already at Aston Villa

The 29-year-old delivered a landmark performance by scoring his first goals for the club.

Asensio took to Instagram to celebrate his performance and the fact Villa picked up all three points.

He said, “What a night” Feeling at home already!”

Aston Villa well placed for Champions League return

The victory helped Villa climb up the Premier League table into seventh place as they continue to try and secure Champions League football for the second season in a row.

Emery’s side are currently two points adrift of the top four, but they have played a minimum of one game extra than all the teams above them.

Another way Villa could secure playing in Europe’s elite competition is by winning the 2024-25 Champions League, which they are still a part of.

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