Aston Villa Beat Viking 3-1 to Maintain Perfect Champions League Start

Aston Villa continued their outstanding start to the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign with a 3-1 victory over Norwegian champions Viking at Villa Park on Wednesday evening, making it three wins from three in Europe’s elite competition.

Goals from Ross Barkley and Emiliano Buendía, followed by a Viking own goal, secured another three points for Unai Emery’s side, who now sit second in the Champions League league phase table, behind Paris Saint-Germain on goal difference.

The victory follows Villa’s emphatic 6-0 demolition of Fenerbahçe last week and their opening win against Club Brugge, taking their tally to nine points and 12 goals from their first three European fixtures.

Barkley and Buendía Put Villa in Control

Aston Villa entered Wednesday’s encounter as favourites, although Viking had demonstrated their capabilities just eight days earlier with a remarkable 3-3 draw against German giants Bayern Munich.

However, the visitors struggled to contain Villa’s attacking play during the opening 45 minutes, with Nicolas Jackson testing goalkeeper Arild Østbø early on and João Gomes seeing a deflected cross strike the crossbar.

The breakthrough arrived in the 23rd minute when Ross Barkley met Ibrahim Mbaye’s corner with a well-placed header, registering his third Champions League goal of the campaign.

Villa doubled their advantage just 14 minutes later after Alysson was fouled inside the penalty area. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, which Emiliano Buendía confidently converted to give the hosts a commanding 2-0 half-time lead.

Alysson Impresses as Villa Secure Third European Victory

Viking offered greater attacking resistance following the restart, forcing Zion Suzuki into action as they attempted to find a route back into the contest.

However, Villa’s attacking quality eventually produced a third goal in the 62nd minute, with Alysson again heavily involved. The Brazilian winger raced into the penalty area before delivering a dangerous ball across goal, which Viking defender Henrik Heggheim inadvertently turned into his own net.

The 3-0 advantage briefly took Villa to the top of the Champions League standings, with supporters inside Villa Park celebrating another impressive European performance.

Viking eventually grabbed a consolation goal in the 84th minute through Peter Christiansen, whose powerful volley was confirmed following a VAR review.

Despite conceding late on, Villa comfortably secured another victory, extending their winning streak in European competition at Villa Park to 12 matches.

Nine Points From Nine as Villa Prepare for Manchester City

The victory leaves Aston Villa in an excellent position after three Champions League fixtures, with Emery’s side one of the teams maintaining a perfect record in the league phase.

Having scored 12 goals across their opening three matches, Villa have carried their attacking form into Europe’s biggest club competition while continuing to impress domestically.

Attention now turns to another major challenge, with unbeaten Premier League leaders Manchester City visiting Villa Park on Saturday 24th October in a crucial clash near the top of the table.

Villa will then return to European action on Tuesday 3rd November when they travel to the Camp Nou to face Barcelona, before further Champions League encounters against Galatasaray, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund.

With momentum building in both competitions, Villa supporters have plenty to look forward to as their side prepares for another demanding run of fixtures.

Aston Villa vs Viking: Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score between Aston Villa and Viking?

Aston Villa defeated Viking 3-1 at Villa Park on Wednesday 21st October 2026 in the UEFA Champions League.

Who scored for Aston Villa against Viking?

Ross Barkley opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before Emiliano Buendía converted a penalty in the 37th minute. A Henrik Heggheim own goal made it 3-0 before Peter Christiansen scored Viking’s consolation.

Where are Aston Villa in the Champions League table?

Following their victory against Viking, Aston Villa sit second in the Champions League league phase standings with nine points from three matches, behind Paris Saint-Germain on goal difference.

Who do Aston Villa play next in the Champions League?

Aston Villa travel to Barcelona on Tuesday 3rd November 2026 for their fourth Champions League league phase fixture.