Asensio Strikes Twice as Villa Reaches FA Cup Last Eight

Asensio Strikes Twice as Villa Reaches FA Cup Last Eight \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Marco Asensio’s second-half double secured Aston Villa’s place in the FA Cup quarterfinals for the first time in a decade, as they defeated Cardiff City 2-0 at Villa Park on Friday. The Spanish forward, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, continued his impressive form, scoring twice in 12 minutes to break down Cardiff’s stubborn defense. Villa, dominant from the start, finally made their superiority count after Cardiff’s goalkeeper Ethan Horvath kept them at bay for much of the match.

Aston Villa’s FA Cup Victory: Quick Looks

• Asensio Delivers Again: The Spanish striker bagged two goals in 12 minutes, following up on his match-winning performance against Chelsea.
• Villa Ends 10-Year Wait: This is Aston Villa’s first FA Cup quarterfinal appearance since 2014.
• Cardiff’s Long Drought Continues: The Welsh side has not won at Villa Park since 1954 and never looked like breaking that streak.
• Dominant Display: Villa controlled possession from the start, forcing Cardiff’s goalkeeper Ethan Horvath into multiple saves.
• FA Cup Quarterfinal Draw Next: The remaining fifth-round ties take place over the weekend, followed by the draw for the last eight.

Deep Look

Aston Villa’s long wait for a deep FA Cup run is finally over. Marco Asensio’s second-half brace secured a 2-0 victory over Cardiff City on Friday, sending Unai Emery’s side into the quarterfinals for the first time in ten years.

Despite dominating possession and territory, Villa found themselves frustrated for much of the game, as Cardiff defended resolutely and goalkeeper Ethan Horvath pulled off a series of crucial saves. However, the breakthrough eventually came through Asensio, who once again proved his worth with two well-taken goals.

The PSG loanee, who recently scored twice in Villa’s win over Chelsea, continued his strong form since arriving in January, cementing himself as a key piece in Villa’s FA Cup ambitions.

The victory extends Cardiff’s 70-year winless streak at Villa Park, as the Welsh club struggled to create any serious attacking threats. Meanwhile, Villa now awaits the quarterfinal draw, dreaming of a long-overdue FA Cup triumph.

Cardiff’s Defensive Effort Nearly Frustrates Villa

From the opening whistle, Aston Villa asserted their dominance, moving the ball quickly and efficiently while controlling possession.

• Unai Emery’s side dictated the tempo, constantly pushing forward.
• Cardiff City sat deep, absorbing pressure and relying on goalkeeper Ethan Horvath to keep them in the game.
• The Welsh side struggled to generate any offensive momentum, rarely troubling Villa’s defense.

Despite their clear superiority, Villa couldn’t find an early breakthrough, as Horvath made multiple stops to deny chances from Ollie Watkins and Marcus Rashford.

Cardiff’s defensive approach kept the game in the balance, with Villa growing increasingly frustrated as the minutes ticked by.

But then came Marco Asensio’s moment of brilliance.

Asensio’s Clinical Finishing Breaks the Deadlock

With the match still scoreless midway through the second half, Asensio stepped up when it mattered most.

• 68th Minute – First Goal:
  • Rashford found space on the left wing, cutting the ball back into the box.
  • Asensio arrived in stride, guiding a calm left-footed finish past Horvath.
  • Villa finally had the goal they deserved.
• 80th Minute – Second Goal:
  • This time, it was Ollie Watkins providing the assist, sending a precise pass from the right.
  • Asensio steadied himself before side-footing home, sealing the victory.

His celebration said it all—Villa were moving on, and Asensio’s impact was undeniable.

“It was not an easy game,” Asensio told ITV after the match. “We knew it would be difficult, but I’m very happy for the goals and for the win. Most importantly, we’re into the next round.”

Aston Villa’s FA Cup Dream Comes Alive

For Villa fans, this moment has been a long time coming.

• The club hasn’t won the FA Cup since 1957.
• They haven’t reached the final since 2015.
• Their last quarterfinal appearance was in 2014—a decade ago.

Now, under Unai Emery, there’s a genuine belief that Villa could make a deep run in the competition.

• Asensio’s impact has been immediate, adding firepower to an already talented squad.
• Villa’s defense held firm, allowing them to dominate play without conceding.
• Momentum is building, and the quarterfinal draw now looms large.

With the remaining fifth-round matches set to be played over the weekend, Villa will soon learn who stands in their way next.

For now, they can celebrate a dominant win, knowing that their long wait for FA Cup success may finally be within reach.

What’s Next for Villa?

With their FA Cup run alive, Aston Villa will now shift focus to their upcoming Premier League fixtures before returning to cup action.

• Can Asensio maintain his form? His performances have been crucial and could play a major role in Villa’s continued success.
• How will Villa handle the pressure? Reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in a decade will bring heightened expectations.
• Could this be Villa’s year? With the draw set to take place soon, Emery’s side will be watching closely, hoping for a favorable path to Wembley.

For now, one thing is clear—Aston Villa has its sights set on silverware.

And with Marco Asensio leading the charge, anything is possible.

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