Aston Villa wrapped up their pre-season preparations with a 2-0 win over Villarreal at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Sunday night. Just over 24 hours after facing Marseille in France, Unai Emery returned to his former club and saw his side secure victory thanks to goals from Ollie Watkins and Emi Buendia.
Watkins struck in the 23rd minute, reacting quickest to a rebound from Buendia’s effort, before the Argentine midfielder doubled the lead early in the second half with a crisp finish from the edge of the box.
Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez was in fine form, producing a string of excellent saves to deny the Spanish side.
Buendia could have added a second to his tally when substitute Evann Guessand set him up, but Villarreal’s defence stood firm.
The result means Villa picked up four wins, two draws and two defeats from their summer friendlies before their Premier League opener at home to Newcastle United on Saturday.
