Emiliano Buendia hailed a special night after scoring his first goal since March 2023 as Aston Villa reached the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 2-1 win at Wycombe.
Winger Buendia, who missed the whole of last season through injury, headed the opener before Jhon Duran tucked away a penalty to see off League One Wanderers, who hit a late consolation through Richard Kone.
“It is a really special night, to come back to play again for this club,” the Argentinian, who captained Villa, told Sky Sports.
“It is my fourth season here, to have the captain’s armband and to help the team with a goal and get through to another round is an amazing feeling.”
Villa may be facing mighty Bayern Munich in the Champions League next week, but first was a tricky trip to leafy Buckinghamshire to face a side renowned for their cup exploits, including a semi-final appearance in this competition back in 2007.
Their manager, Matt Bloomfield, played in that two-legged meeting with Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea, with Wanderers drawing the home leg before going down 4-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Nevertheless, Villa boss Unai Emery made 10 changes from the side which started the 3-1 win over Wolves on Saturday, with midfielder Amadou Onana the only survivor.
Duran, who has scored in four of his five substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, almost marked his first start of the campaign with a goal inside the opening 60 seconds. The Colombian raced on to a perfectly-weighted pass from Leon Bailey only to sidefoot his shot wide.
Wycombe made it to half-time unscathed but were breached 10 minutes into the second half when teenage debutant Kadan Young, urged on by Emery in front of the dug-out, beat his man to reach the byline.
Young’s cross was deflected into the air and Buendia managed to adjust his body and guide a looping header over Ravizzoli and into the far corner.
It was one year, six months and three days since his last Villa goal and the Argentinian was congratulated by all his delighted team-mates.
Villa doubled their lead when Declan Skura bundled over Duran, with Wycombe aggrieved at the decision, and the striker tucked away the penalty with five minutes remaining.
It was just as well for the Premier League side after Kone broke clear in stoppage time to pull one back with the last kick of the match.
“The main emotion is pride of the performance of the players,” said Bloomfield.
“There’s also a mixture of frustration and disappointment. I’ve watched the penalty back. It’s tough for referees overall but we just come out of it slightly aggrieved.
“But he’s been given a decision to make and it’s tough for referees when the players fall the way (Duran) did tonight.”
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
