Marco Asensio led Aston Villa to the FA Cup quarter-finals with a brace in their 2-0 victory on Friday against Cardif, who put up strong resistance against Unai Emery's team until late in the second half of the last-16 encounter at Villa Park.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Asensio's brace secured Villa's progression to the quarter-finals, marking their first appearance at this stage since they reached the final in 2015. Aston Villa last won the FA Cup 68 years ago, in 1957.
The 29-year-old Spanish forward has been impressive since his January loan move from Paris Saint-Germain, scoring four goals in six appearances for Villa.
With a Champions League last-16 first-leg match against Club Brugge approaching on Tuesday, Emery still decided to field his strongest possible lineup against Cardiff.
In the early minutes, Cardiff goalkeeper Ethan Horvath made impressive saves to deny both Marcus Rashford's quick shot and John McGinn's long-range effort.
Watkins had a clear chance to give Villa the lead, but the England forward missed the target after breaking into the box.
Villa quickly regained control, with Horvath making an excellent save to tip Bailey's powerful shot over the crossbar.
Rashford squandered an excellent chance to break the deadlock, failing to convert Bailey's cross from close range.
Watkins also missed a clear opportunity, directing his volley straight at Horvath after connecting with Rashford's headed pass.
Horvath continued his impressive performance in the second half, saving McGinn's effort from outside the box before diving to stop Rashford's shot from 20 yards as Villa pressed forward relentlessly.
Cardiff nearly took an unexpected lead when Yousef Salech stretched to connect with Perry Ng's cross, but Emiliano Martinez made a solid save.
Shortly afterwards, Villa managed to score first in the 68th minute.
Following his impressive performances since arriving on loan from Manchester United, Rashford sprinted onto Youri Tielemans' pass and delivered a cross for Asensio, who finished precisely into the bottom corner.
Asensio secured the victory in the 80th minute by receiving Bailey's pass and accurately placing his shot past Horvath from 10 yards out.
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