Villa come from behind to beat Sevilla 3-1

Aston Villa came from behind to beat Sevilla 3-1 in Spain on Friday night and lift the Antonio Puerta Trophy.

All four goals came in the second half of the friendly at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, played during the international break.

How the game unfolded

Sevilla took the lead seven minutes into the second half through Isaac Romero. Villa responded strongly. Ross Barkley levelled the scores, and Alejandro Garnacho then put Villa in front. Max Jenner wrapped up the win with a third goal seven minutes from the end.

A useful workout

With a number of first-team players away on international duty, the match gave other members of Unai Emery's squad valuable minutes and a chance to impress. Players on the fringes of the first team were given opportunities, and Emery will be pleased with the way his side responded after falling behind.

Friendlies are not competitive, so the result does not count towards any league or cup, but managers use them to try out new ideas, build fitness and keep a winning mentality during breaks in the season.

The Antonio Puerta Trophy

The trophy is played for in memory of Antonio Puerta, a Sevilla defender who collapsed during a match in August 2007 and died three days later, aged 22. His death led to greater awareness of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes and to better heart screening and the wider availability of defibrillators at sports grounds.

Back to the Premier League

Villa's next competitive match is at home to Brentford on Saturday 10 October. They head into it after a 3-2 win at Tottenham Hotspur before the break, their first league victory of the season, and they will be looking to climb the table after a slow start.

On Wednesday 14 October they face the Turkish club Fenerbahce in the Champions League. Villa won their first league phase match against Club Brugge.

A busy autumn

Playing in the Premier League, the Champions League and the domestic cups means a demanding schedule, with matches every few days until the next international break in November. Squad depth and rotation will be important, which is one reason Emery values the chance to give fringe players minutes in friendlies.

Under Emery

Emery, who joined Villa in 2022, has led the club to its best period in decades, including Champions League football and last season's Europa League triumph. He has a strong record in European competitions, having won the Europa League four times with Sevilla and Villarreal before his success with Villa.

Learn CPR

Heart charities say anyone can help save a life if someone collapses with a cardiac arrest, by calling 999, starting chest compressions and using a defibrillator if one is available. Free online training is available from organisations including the British Heart Foundation, and many sports clubs in Birmingham have defibrillators on site.

A warm welcome

The match had added meaning for Emery, who managed Sevilla between 2013 and 2016 and won three Europa League titles with the club. He remains a respected figure in the city, and the friendly gave Sevilla's supporters a chance to see their former manager's side up close. Villa's travelling fans also enjoyed a rare chance to watch their team in one of Spain's great football grounds.