Aston Villa kicked off their pre-season with a 5-0 win over Walsall before facing FC Porto in a high-profile friendly. The match at Estádio do Dragão served as a key test for Unai Emery’s squad, who finished 4th in the Premier League last season with 65 points (19W-8D-11L), scoring 56 goals and conceding 49. Villa’s recent form includes a 4-game winning streak (WWWWD) and a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in their last match of the 2025-26 season.
What happened in the friendly?
Aston Villa, fresh from a dominant pre-season opener, took on Porto in a closely watched clash. Manager Unai Emery rotated his squad, giving young talent like Bryan Madjo-who scored twice against Walsall-a chance to shine. New signing João Gomes was also in contention, while key players like Amadou Onana remained sidelined due to post-international duty recovery.
Why this match matters for Villa
The Porto friendly was more than just a warm-up. It allowed Emery to test tactical setups and squad depth ahead of the new season. With Villa finishing 20 points behind league leaders Arsenal last season, every pre-season game is a step toward closing that gap. The match also provided a glimpse into how Villa’s young stars might contribute in the upcoming campaign.
What’s next for Aston Villa?
After facing Porto, Villa’s pre-season continues with matches against Real Sociedad, Indonesia All-Stars, and BG Pathum United before their UEFA Super Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain on August 12. Their next Premier League fixture is an away game against Chelsea on December 19, 2026, with Chelsea currently sitting 10th in the table.
Emery’s focus remains on fine-tuning his squad, ensuring they’re ready for the challenges ahead. With a mix of experience and youth, Villa are poised for another strong season.
