BIRMINGHAM: Aston Villa newcomer Marco Asensio struck twice in the second half to lead the Premier League team to a 2-0 victory over second-tier Cardiff City on Friday and into the FA Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 10 years.
Villa thoroughly dominated the Welsh side whose defence 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.
The Spaniard, who has scored four goals in six games for Villa, received a standing ovation when he was substituted off soon after.
Cardiff were not able to field a full-strength squad against Villa, manager Omer Riza said, because of important upcoming league games in their Championship relegation battle.