Aston Villa 3-2 RB Salzburg: Report, result and goals as hosts win but suffer Watkins blow

"Aston Villa completed a dramatic turnaround at Villa Park, coming from two goals down to beat RB Salzburg 3-2 in the Europa League, although it came at the cost of losing star striker Ollie Watkins to a hamstring injury. The hosts started brightly and almost struck inside the opening minute. Emiliano Buendia fed Watkins just outside the area and his powerful effort was only partially handled by Alexander Schlager. Harvey Elliott reacted first to the rebound, but the Salzburg goalkeeper recovered sharply to block again from close range."

"Salzburg grew into the contest quickly and began to exploit Villa's unfamiliar defensive setup. Karim Konate was a constant outlet, holding the ball up well and allowing runners to join him. Emiliano Martinez was called into action on 19 minutes with an outstanding double save, first denying Konaté and then reacting quickly to keep out Soumaila Diabaté's follow-up. Villa's problems deepened midway through the half when Watkins pulled up holding his hamstring and was forced off."

"Morgan Rogers replaced him, but the disruption showed almost immediately. On 33 minutes, Tyrone Mings hesitated while trying to recycle possession back to Martinez. Edmund Baidoo pressed aggressively, nicked the ball, and squared across goal for Konate to turn home, with Victor Lindelof unable to prevent it crossing the line. The visitors continued to threaten before the break, with Baidoo again bursting through on goal only to be denied by Martinez."

Aston Villa recovered from a two-goal deficit to beat RB Salzburg 3-2 in the Europa League, while losing striker Ollie Watkins to a hamstring injury. Villa began strongly with an early Watkins chance that Alexander Schlager only partially kept out and Harvey Elliott then saw a follow-up blocked. Salzburg exploited Villa's unfamiliar defensive setup, with Karim Konate causing problems and Emiliano Martinez producing a superb double save on 19 minutes. Watkins pulled up injured and was replaced by Morgan Rogers. A Tyrone Mings hesitation allowed Edmund Baidoo to set up Konate's opener. Unai Emery introduced Matty Cash at half-time and Villa pressed higher after the break as Salzburg struck again early in the second half.

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