Aston Villa controlled much of Wednesday’s match at Villa Park, with Ross Barkley heading them in front before Buendía converted a penalty in the 37th minute. Henrik Heggheim’s own goal made it 3-0 in the second half, although Peter Christiansen’s late strike gave the Norwegian visitors a consolation.
The win made it three victories from three matches for Unai Emery’s side in the Champions League league phase. Villa had prepared carefully for a visiting team that arrived with confidence after taking points from Bayern Munich the previous week.
“It was very good, a tough match,” Buendía said in comments published by Aston Villa.
“These kinds of teams come here with all their energy and will to show the character of why they are playing in this competition. We respected them a lot, we worked and prepared the match very well, and we showed it in the match.”
The Argentine had several opportunities from open play before stepping up to score from the spot. Although pleased to contribute to another European win, he acknowledged that his performance could have included more goals.
“I should have scored more,” he said. “I had chances but I’m pleased I was getting them. I scored the penalty, so I’m happy with that.”
Buendía’s goal was his reward for a lively attacking display as Villa repeatedly found space against Viking. The hosts created enough chances to extend their lead further, and their pressure eventually produced the own goal that appeared to put the result beyond doubt.
Viking did manage to score in the closing stages, denying Villa a clean sheet and briefly threatening to make the final minutes uncomfortable. The visitors’ late goal did not change the outcome, however, as Villa secured another three points.
“It was an important win and we have to keep going,” Buendía added.
Villa’s strong start has placed them among the early pace-setters in the competition, but Emery’s side face further demanding fixtures as the league phase develops. Maintaining the intensity they showed against Viking will be important if they are to preserve their position among the leading teams.
For Buendía, the immediate priority is to build on the performance while converting more of the chances that came his way. His penalty helped settle the match, but the forward made clear he expects more from himself as Villa continue their European campaign.