Aston Villa had little trouble securing a spot in the Europa Conference League group stage, marking a triumphant return to European football after being away for 13 years.
At Villa Park, the home team effortlessly dispatched Hibernian, who were already reeling from a 5-0 aggregate deficit following their earlier thrashing.
Jhon Duran kicked off the proceedings with a goal just 12 minutes into the game, setting the mood for what would be an effortless evening for Villa.
Adding to Hibernian’s woes, Leon Bailey and Matty Cash padded the lead under the strategic eye of manager Unai Emery, as the opposition struggled to break through Villa’s solid defense.
Hibernian, who are in the market for a new manager after the recent firing of Lee Johnson, hardly posed a threat. Villa’s defense was impenetrable, and the home team’s ball control was almost complete.
Before halftime, Bailey made his mark with a strong finish at close range, while Cash capitalized on a failed clear by David Marshall in the second half from a Bailey-taken free kick. Details of Villa’s group-stage opponents are to be announced in the upcoming Friday draw scheduled for 1:30 p.m. BST.
Aston Villa Bounces Back in Style
After their 5-1 shellacking by Newcastle United during the Premier League opener, Villa’s morale seems back on track. They’ve not only beaten Everton and Burnley but have also recorded an astounding 8-0 aggregate win against Hibernian in the Europa Conference League, making them a team to watch this season in European football.
The squad showcased their depth with an impressive display from 17-year-old debutant Omari Kellyman, who notched an assist and nearly scored a goal himself. Emery took the opportunity to shuffle his deck, making six changes from the lineup that defeated Everton and giving playing time to the likes of Matty Cash, Diego Carlos, John McGinn, and Ollie Watkins—all of whom left a significant impact on the game.
Aston Villa dominated so comprehensively that Hibernian could muster only a single shot on target throughout the game. Emery and his men will now focus on their next Premier League encounter against Liverpool on Sunday, before taking a breather for the international break.
Their Europa Conference League journey will officially kick off on September 21.
Player Ratings
Aston Villa
- Jhon Durán: 8.35
- Matty Cash: 8.23
- Omari Kellyman: 8.16
- Douglas Luiz: 7.93
- John McGinn: 7.87
- P Torres: 7.79
- Revan: 7.71
- Leon Bailey: 7.70
- Konsa: 7.52
- Kamara: 7.50
Hibernian
- Diego Carlos: 7.35
- Tielemans: 7.30
- Watkins: 7.29
- Chambers: 7.00
- Olsen: 6.97
- Dendoncker: 6.88
Game Stats Snapshot
Possession:
Aston Villa 61% – Hibernian 39%
Shots:
Aston Villa 16 – Hibernian 3
Shots on Target:
Aston Villa 9 – Hibernian 1
Corners:
Aston Villa 2 – Hibernian 0
Fouls:
Aston Villa 12 – Hibernian 12
So, the stage is set for some intriguing European football, folks. Grab your popcorn because the Aston Villa Express shows no signs of slowing down! And as for Hibernian, better luck next time. And maybe a new manager while you’re at it. Just saying.
