Marco Asensio boasts an impressive record of 17 major trophies from his time with Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain.
However, among these accolades, only one Spanish Cup and one French Cup are included.
But he has put himself in contention for a unique treble at Wembley in May after scoring twice to lead Aston Villa into their first FA Cup quarter-final since 2015.
He had some assistance from a new addition to the FA Cup… semi-automated offside technology!
The advanced technology proved effective, quickly determining that Marcus Rashford was just onside in the lead-up to Asensio’s opening goal after 68 minutes.
Youri Tielemans’ skillful pass set up Rashford, who was positioned behind a Cardiff defender.
When Rashford passed the ball across, Asensio slotted it past Ethan Horvath, breaking Cardiff’s resistance.
Typically, such situations might involve a lengthy VAR review. However, this decision was made swiftly, and Cardiff’s fate was sealed when Asensio scored again 12 minutes later.
Prior to the match, there was a sense of reunion, with numerous connections between the two clubs.
Villa paid a classy tribute to their former striker Peter Whittingham on the big screens before the game started.
A banner was also displayed to remember the beloved player who tragically passed away at 35 in March 2020 following a head injury from a fall.
Two former Villa players, Anwar El Ghazi and Callum Robinson, led Cardiff onto the pitch, with El Ghazi’s sons among the mascots.
Cardiff midfielder Aaron Ramsey also returned to Villa Park – almost ten years after he played for Arsenal when they defeated Villa 4-0 in the 2015 FA Cup final.
Unai Emery showed his intent by fielding a strong lineup, including the returning Emi Martinez in goal.
Despite having an attacking quartet of Bailey, Asensio, Rashford, and Watkins, Villa struggled to penetrate Cardiff’s defense.
Rashford sent a free-kick over the Cardiff wall, but it went straight into the hands of goalkeeper Ethan Horvath.
Horvath then saved a curling shot from John McGinn, and Rashford missed an opportunity after a corner routine.
Ollie Watkins timed his run perfectly to receive Asensio’s precise pass, but Horvath managed to deflect his shot wide.
Ramsey bravely blocked Tielemans in front of goal before Cardiff launched a counter-attack that led to a moment of FA Cup history.
As El Ghazi entered the penalty area, Ian Maatsen tackled him with a robust shoulder challenge.
Remarkably, three VAR assistants were ready to review the incident.
But the semi-automated offside system intervened and ruled Maatsen offside, negating any penalty claim.
Villa could have been leading by a significant margin by halftime.
However, Marcus Rashford and Ollie Watkins went into the break frustrated after missing clear chances.
Bailey’s powerful volley was brilliantly saved by Horvath before he turned provider.
The Jamaican winger got past the Cardiff defense and cut the ball back sharply, taking Horvath out of the play.
Rashford, unmarked close to goal, failed to control his shot and missed the open net.
Watkins also squandered a great opportunity, hitting his shot straight at Horvath from close range.
Cardiff might feel unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty when Lamare Bogarde appeared to clip Perry Ng in the box.
Villa’s dominance continued after halftime, with Horvath making excellent saves to deny McGinn and Rashford again.
Cardiff introduced Yousef Salech, who replaced the injured Robinson. Salech managed Cardiff’s only shot on target in the 66th minute, forcing a good save from Emi Martinez.
Shortly after, Asensio scored, further endearing himself to Villa supporters on a night where he doubled his goal count to four since joining in January.
Marcus Bellamy