Chelsea’s Premier League hopes suffered a setback on 22 February 2025 as Aston Villa staged a spirited comeback to secure a 2–1 victory at Villa Park, Softfootball reports. The Blues had started the match with confidence, taking an early lead through Enzo Fernández in the 9th minute, but Villa’s resilience and clinical finishing turned the game in their favor.
The opening goal came after Chelsea dominated possession and probed Villa’s defense. Fernández, demonstrating his trademark composure and vision, calmly slotted home following a flowing Chelsea move. At that point, Chelsea looked poised to control the game, outpassing their hosts and creating multiple opportunities in the final third.
Villa, however, gradually asserted themselves. By the 57th minute, Marco Asensio capitalized on a defensive lapse to fire a stunning strike into the top corner, leveling the score. The home crowd erupted as the momentum shifted. Chelsea pressed to regain control, but Villa’s organization and quick counterattacks kept the Blues at bay.
The decisive moment arrived late in the match. In the 89th minute, Asensio struck again, curling a precise effort past Robert Sánchez to complete his brace and hand Aston Villa all three points. Chelsea’s attempts to respond in the dying minutes were thwarted by Villa’s disciplined backline and goalkeeper David Martínez.
Statistically, Chelsea enjoyed more of the ball, registering 14 shots with six on target compared to Villa’s 11 shots and five on target. Possession was slightly in Villa’s favor, 55% to Chelsea’s 45%, reflecting their growing dominance as the match progressed. Despite the loss, Chelsea’s attacking players created chances, but the finishing proved costly.
Manager Erik Maresca will now look to regroup and address defensive lapses as Chelsea continue their Premier League campaign, while Aston Villa’s victory adds valuable momentum as they push up the table.
