Marco Asensio, a decorated player with 17 major titles from Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain, showcased his cup expertise for Aston Villa.
Despite his impressive trophy cabinet, Asensio’s collection only includes one Spanish Cup and one French Cup victory.
However, Asensio has positioned himself for a shot at a unique hat-trick at Wembley in May. His two goals propelled Aston Villa into their first FA Cup quarter-final since 2015.
The victory was aided by the modern technology of semi-automated offside detection.
This new system quickly and accurately determined that Marcus Rashford was just onside in the lead-up to Asensio’s opening goal in the 68th minute.
Youri Tielemans’ skillful pass released Rashford, who was positioned behind a Cardiff defender.
Rashford then passed to Asensio, who slotted the ball past Ethan Horvath, breaking Cardiff’s resilient defense.
Typically, such decisions might involve several minutes of review with lines and scrutiny. But in this instance, the decision was swift, as was Cardiff’s fate, with Asensio adding a second goal 12 minutes later to seal the win.
Before the match, there was a sense of reunion, with numerous connections between the two clubs.
Aston Villa paid a classy tribute to Peter Whittingham, their former striker and ex-Cardiff player, on the big screens before the game began. A banner was also displayed in memory of Whittingham, who tragically passed away at 35 in March 2020.
Two former Aston Villa players, Anwar El Ghazi and Callum Robinson, led Cardiff onto the pitch, with El Ghazi’s sons as mascots.
Cardiff midfielder Aaron Ramsey also reunited with Aston Villa, a decade after playing for Arsenal when they defeated Villa 4-0 in the 2015 FA Cup final.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery fielded a strong lineup, including the returning Emi Martinez in goal.
Despite a formidable attacking quartet of Bailey, Asensio, Rashford, and Watkins, Villa initially struggled to penetrate Cardiff’s defense.
Rashford’s free-kick went over the wall but was easily caught by Cardiff’s goalkeeper Ethan Horvath.
Horvath also saved a curling shot from John McGinn, and Rashford missed a chance from a corner routine.
Ollie Watkins, through on goal from Asensio’s pass, was denied by Horvath.
Ramsey blocked Tielemans in front of goal, before Cardiff attacked, creating a moment of FA Cup history.
As El Ghazi entered the box, Ian Maatsen tackled him, prompting VAR review.
However, the semi-automated offside system intervened, ruling Maatsen offside.
Villa could have been leading by a significant margin at halftime, but Rashford and Watkins missed clear opportunities.
Bailey’s powerful volley was saved by Horvath, and then Bailey set up Rashford, who missed an open goal from close range.
Watkins also missed a golden chance, shooting straight at Horvath from close range.
Cardiff could have had a penalty when Perry Ng was fouled in the box.
Horvath continued his impressive performance after halftime, saving shots from McGinn and Rashford.
Cardiff substitute Yousef Salech forced Martinez into a save, marking Cardiff’s first shot on target in the 66th minute.
Shortly after, Asensio scored his first goal, increasing his tally to four goals for Villa since joining in January.
