Aston Villa Dominates AS Roma in Pre-Season Friendly with a 3-0 Victory

In a highly anticipated pre-season friendly match on August 6, 2025, Aston Villa delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over AS Roma at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium in Walsall, England. The game, a preparatory test for both clubs ahead of their respective domestic seasons, showcased Aston Villa’s tactical sharpness and attacking prowess under the leadership of manager Unai Emery.

Aston Villa’s Dominant Performance

The match began with Aston Villa taking control of the tempo early on. The Birmingham-based team, fresh off a strong Premier League season where they secured a Europa League spot, demonstrated their cohesion and attacking intent. Emiliano Buendía opened the scoring with a stunning free kick that curled into the top left corner, leaving Roma’s goalkeeper with no chance. This early goal set the tone for Villa’s dominance throughout the first half.

Shortly after, Jacob Ramsey doubled the lead with a well-placed shot from inside the box. The goal was the result of a swift counterattack, showcasing Villa’s ability to transition from defense to attack seamlessly. By the 43rd minute, Villa extended their lead to 3-0, effectively sealing the game before halftime. The third goal was a collective effort, with Ollie Watkins and Youri Tielemans combining to create an opening, though Tielemans’ final shot narrowly missed the target, it had already been a statement performance.

AS Roma’s Struggles

AS Roma, under the new management of Gian Piero Gasperini, struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match. Despite a few attempts from Neil El Aynaoui and others, the Italian side failed to convert their chances into goals. Their possession statistics of 51.2% indicated a balanced share of the ball, but their inability to penetrate Aston Villa’s defense proved costly.

Gasperini, who took over after Claudio Ranieri’s miraculous turnaround last season, used this match to experiment with tactical setups and evaluate new signings. However, the lack of sharpness and cohesion in Roma’s play suggested that the team still has work to do before the Serie A season begins.

A Strategic Pre-Season Test

Pre-season friendlies like this one serve as an important platform for teams to test new tactics, integrate young players, and build match fitness. For Aston Villa, this game was more than just a friendly; it was a statement of intent for the upcoming season. The team’s fluid attacking style, solid defensive organization, and overall discipline highlighted their readiness to compete at a high level in both the Premier League and Europa League.

For AS Roma, the match was a reminder of the challenges ahead. Having narrowly secured a Europa League spot last season, the team is undergoing a transitional phase under Gasperini. While the result was disappointing, the game provided valuable insights for the coaching staff to address weaknesses and build on strengths.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025-26 season approaches, both teams will take lessons from this match to refine their strategies. Aston Villa, with their impressive performance, will aim to build on their momentum and establish themselves as a force in English and European football. AS Roma, on the other hand, will need to regroup and focus on improving their consistency and tactical execution.

While the result of this friendly may not carry immediate consequences, the match served as a critical benchmark for both clubs. With the Premier League and Serie A seasons on the horizon, fans can expect these teams to bring their best as they chase domestic and continental success.

In the end, this pre-season encounter highlighted Aston Villa’s preparedness and AS Roma’s need for further refinement, setting the stage for an exciting 2025-26 campaign for both teams.