Aston Villa Shine in Rotterdam: Buendía and McGinn Secure 2-0 Europa League Win at Feyenoord
Aston Villa produced a composed and effective performance at De Kuip to beat Feyenoord 2-0 in the UEFA Europa League, with Emiliano Buendía and John McGinn scoring second-half goals to seal a clean sheet and move Villa to six points from two group games.
The first half was cagey and competitive. Feyenoord began brightly on home turf and tested Villa’s defensive organisation early, forcing Villa’s stand-in goalkeeper into a number of important saves and creating pressure down the flanks. Despite the Dutch side’s energetic start and possession advantage in spells, they were unable to fashion a clear-cut opening before half-time. Villa’s structure under Unai Emery remained compact, with midfielders closing spaces and forcing Feyenoord into low-percentage attempts.
Key turning point: Villa grew into the game after the interval, shifting the tempo and finding greater control through quick passing and incisive midfield movement. That control produced the breakthrough in the 61st minute when Emi Buendía finished clinically after a smart lay-off from Boubacar Kamara. The goal relieved pressure on Villa and gave them a foothold to take the game to Feyenoord.
Tactical note — Emery’s setup combined a disciplined backline with fluidity in the attacking third. Villa’s full-backs pressed to limit Feyenoord’s wide supply while the midfield trio rotated to cover passing lanes and spring transitions. Buendía’s influence was pronounced: his movement between the lines and close control created pockets of space and linked well with the forwards. Once Villa opened the scoring, they managed the game well rather than chase it recklessly.
The second goal arrived on the 79th minute when John McGinn reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box and hammered home to put the result beyond doubt. McGinn’s finish highlighted Villa’s emphasis on arriving late in the penalty area — a trait that often unsettles defenders who are preoccupied with primary attackers. After the second goal, Villa shifted to a more conservative rhythm, prioritising control and defensive solidity to see out the win.
Performance highlights: Marco Bizot, deputising in goal, produced several important stops that kept Villa level in the early stages; the defensive unit remained resolute under pressure and navigated Feyenoord’s set-piece threat effectively. In midfield, Kamara’s composure and ball-recovering work allowed creative players like Buendía to operate with freedom. Up front, Villa’s forwards contributed to defensive pressing, limiting Feyenoord’s comfortable build-up and forcing rushed passes.
The result hands Villa momentum in Europe and helps relieve some pressure following uneven domestic form. A perfect two-from-two start in the group gives Emery options to rotate his squad while maintaining competitive performance across competitions. For Feyenoord, the loss will be a disappointment at De Kuip, where home advantage and vocal support had suggested they could trouble the visitors — but Villa’s tactical discipline and clinical finishing proved decisive.
Scoreline: Feyenoord 0–2 Aston Villa.
Goals: Buendía (61'), McGinn (79').
Competition: UEFA Europa League — Group stage.
Key takeaway: Villa's second-half control and finishing turned a tight game into a confident away victory.
Looking ahead: Aston Villa will aim to carry this European form back into the Premier League fixtures and continue building squad confidence. With key contributors returning to form and Emery’s tactical approach bedding in, Villa’s performances in continental competition are shaping their season narrative and underlining their capability to compete on multiple fronts. Fans will hope the resilience displayed in Rotterdam translates into consistent results at home and away.