Aston Villa extended their perfect start to this season's Champions League with a commanding 3-1 victory over Norwegian champions Viking at Villa Park, making it three wins from three in the league phase.

Ross Barkley opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, nodding home from a corner delivered by Ibrahim Mbaye. Emiliano Buendia then doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 37th minute after a VAR review confirmed that Alysson had been fouled inside the area.

The young winger had already come close with a pair of sharp headed efforts before winning that spot-kick, and he continued to be the standout performer on the night. In the 62nd minute, Alysson drove forward from deep before delivering a cross that Henrik Heggheim could only turn into his own net, giving Villa a three-goal cushion.

Top of the table — briefly

That third goal lifted Aston Villa to the summit of the Champions League standings, and the Villa Park crowd celebrated loudly, chanting in recognition of their side's lofty position. However, Peter Christiansen's stunning late volley — awarded following another VAR check — pulled one back for Viking in the 84th minute and dropped Villa to second place behind PSG.

The result was built on a foundation of control and tactical discipline. Unai Emery fielded a makeshift backline with Joao Gomes operating at right-back, yet Villa were rarely troubled. Earlier in the match, Gomes had seen a cross cannon off the underside of the bar, a sign of how dominant the hosts were even before the goals came.

Bayern Munich had struggled against the same Viking side just a week prior, but Villa showed no such hesitation. Their tempo was purposeful from the first whistle, and Barkley's header gave them the foothold from which the match was rarely in doubt.

Emery building something special

Before kick-off, the Holte End unveiled an elaborate tifo that referenced Villa's rich European history. The message was unmistakable — this club has competed on the continent before, and they intend to do so again. Few sides in this year's Champions League carry Emery's clarity of direction into each fixture, and Villa are growing with every game.

Three games, three wins. Villa Park is becoming a fortress in Europe once more.