Aston Villa maintain perfect start in Europa League | OneFootball

Aston Villa marked their return to De Kuip - the stage of their famous 1982 European Cup triumph - with a composed 2–0 win over Feyenoord to maintain a perfect start to their Europa League campaign.

The hosts came out swinging, with Sem Steijn and Ayase Ueda both forcing Marco Bizot into saves during a lively first half.

Villa had their own frustrations: Ollie Watkins looked to be clean through before being hacked down by Anel Ahmedhodzic, but after a VAR check the defender escaped with only a yellow. Watkins later rounded Timon Wellenreuther but saw his effort dramatically cleared off the line.

Feyenoord thought they had the opener when Ueda’s header appeared to cross, only for the referee to rule it out for a foul on Matty Cash.

Unai Emery’s side improved after the restart and took charge on the hour. Boubacar Kamara set up Emiliano Buendía, who bent a precise finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

Feyenoord continued to press, but Villa struck again with 12 minutes from time: substitute Donyell Malen caused chaos in the area, and captain John McGinn reacted fastest to tuck in the second.

From there it was comfortable for the visitors, who now sit on six points from two games and look every inch a side capable of going deep into the competition.