Aston Villa Cruises Past Preston to Secure FA Cup Semi-Final Spot

Rashford’s Brace Sends Villa to Wembley

Aston Villa delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Preston North End in the FA Cup quarter-finals, thanks to a second-half double from Marcus Rashford and a late strike by Jacob Ramsey. Despite a determined defensive display from Preston in the first half, Unai Emery’s side took control after the break and sealed their place in the semi-finals at Wembley.

Preston 0-3 Aston Villa: Match Breakdown

First Half: Preston’s Defensive Resilience Holds Villa at Bay

As the only Championship team in the last eight, Preston entered the match as underdogs but showed no fear. Paul Heckingbottom’s side played with discipline, limiting Villa’s attacking chances in the first 45 minutes.

Villa struggled to break down the well-organized 3-5-2 setup of Preston, managing only one notable effort—an off-target header from Ezri Konsa. Meanwhile, Stefan Thordarson squandered a great chance for Preston inside the opening 30 minutes.

Second Half: Rashford Breaks the Deadlock

Aston Villa came out with more urgency after the break, and Marcus Rashford finally got off the mark in the 59th minute, converting a low cross from Lucas Digne. This was Rashford’s first goal for the club after nine games and 520 minutes of play.

Just five minutes later, Rashford doubled his tally from the penalty spot after Morgan Rogers was fouled in the box by Andrew Hughes. The England forward calmly converted, putting Villa in full control.

Late Strike from Jacob Ramsey Seals the Win

With Preston struggling to respond, Jacob Ramsey put the game to bed, finishing off a strong solo run to make it 3-0. Villa’s superior quality and squad depth were evident as they dominated possession and created more clear-cut chances.

Player Ratings & Tactical Setups

Preston North End (3-5-2 Formation)

Substitutes:

• Milutin Osmajic (64′ for Keane) – 5.8/10
• Ched Evans (77′ for Jakobsen) – 6.1/10
• Liam Lindsay (77′ for Lindsay) – 5.8/10
• Theo Carroll (83′ for Frokjaer-Jensen) – N/A
• Theo Mawene (83′ for Thordarson) – N/A

Aston Villa (3-5-2 Formation)

Substitutes:

• John McGinn (73′ for Tielemans) – 6.3/10
• Amadou Onana (73′ for Asensio) – 6.5/10
• Donyell Malen (73′ for Rogers) – 5.7/10
• Andres Garcia (81′ for Cash) – N/A
• Ollie Watkins (81′ for Rashford) – N/A

Man of the Match: Marcus Rashford (9.1/10)

The Manchester United loanee delivered when it mattered most, scoring two goals in quick succession to send Villa to Wembley.

Can Aston Villa Go All the Way?

With their place in the semi-finals secured, Aston Villa fans will be dreaming of FA Cup glory. But can Unai Emery’s men handle the pressure against tougher opposition at Wembley?