Buendia leads Aston Villa to 2-1 Carabao Cup victory over Wycombe

Emiliano Buendia made a significant impact in Aston Villa's Carabao Cup match against Wycombe, scoring his first goal since March 2023. The match took place in Buckinghamshire, where Villa faced a League One side known for their cup performances. Buendia, who captained the team, opened the scoring with a header in the second half, showcasing his return to form after a long injury layoff. Jhon Duran later secured the win with a penalty, despite Wycombe's late consolation goal from Richard Kone. Villa's manager, Unai Emery, opted for a heavily rotated squad, making ten changes from their previous Premier League match. This decision highlighted the importance of squad depth as they prepared for a challenging Champions League fixture against Bayern Munich. Duran, who had been a key player off the bench, almost scored early in the match, indicating Villa's attacking intent. The match was competitive, with Wycombe managing to hold Villa at bay until the second half. Buendia's goal came from a well-placed cross by debutant Kadan Young, demonstrating the team's ability to create opportunities. The penalty awarded to Villa was a point of contention for Wycombe, as their manager expressed frustration over the referee's decision-making. Ultimately, the victory allowed Aston Villa to progress to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, marking a positive step for the team as they aim to build momentum in both domestic and European competitions. Buendia's performance was particularly noteworthy, as it signified his return to the pitch and contribution to the team's success.