Marco Asensio struck twice in the second half to lead the Premier League team to a 2-0 victory over Cardiff City on Friday and into the FA Cup quarter finals for the first time since over 10 years.
Villa thoroughly dominated the wales side whose defence and goalkeeper Ethan Horvath held strong until Asensio finally broke the deadlock in the 68th minute. Marcus Rashford latched onto Youri Tielemans’ ball over the top before cutting it back for Asensio, who swept into the bottom corner.
Asensio, who joined Villa earlier this month from Paris St Germain, completed his double in the 80th minute when he guided the ball into the bottom corner from Leon Bailey’s cross.
Asensio has scored four goals in two starts for the West Midlands team, received a standing ovation when he was substituted.