Ross Barkley’s 85th-minute strike secured Aston Villa a thrilling 3-2 victory over RB Leipzig on Tuesday, elevating them to third place in the standings and bolstering their hopes of a top-eight finish in the Champions League. Barkley, who had only been on the pitch for two minutes, delivered the decisive blow with a deflected long-range effort—his first goal in the competition.
Villa set the tone early in Germany, with John McGinn hammering home the opener just three minutes into the match after Ollie Watkins nodded a precise header into his path. Despite their commanding start, a defensive error allowed Lois Openda to equalise for Leipzig midway through the first half, capitalising on a mix-up between Villa’s centre-backs and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
Unai Emery’s tactical adjustments at the break proved decisive. Colombian substitute Jhon Duran restored Villa’s lead with a spectacular strike in the 53rd minute, launching a dipping shot from outside the penalty area that left Leipzig goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi helpless. However, Leipzig struck back swiftly, with Christoph Baumgartner volleying home after Openda set him up on the counterattack.
Barkley’s introduction turned the tide in Villa’s favour once more. The veteran midfielder’s deflected effort sealed a hard-fought victory, ensuring Villa remained firmly on track for direct qualification to the last 16 by securing a top-eight finish. “They all count, don’t they?” Barkley quipped after the match.
McGinn reflected on the team’s performance, saying, “Over 90 minutes, we were the better side. Leipzig’s goals came against the run of play.” The Scotsman also expressed relief at ending his scoring drought.
Leipzig, enduring a dismal Champions League campaign with six defeats in as many games, saw their slim hopes of progression extinguished. “We need to keep fighting,” said a disappointed Openda. “This can happen, but we’ll learn from our mistakes.”
Villa’s win extends their resurgence under Emery, who urged his players to “break our limits” in Europe. With two Premier League victories breaking an earlier winless streak, Villa are hitting form at a crucial juncture in their season.
