Crystal Palace’s Carabao Cup journey stayed on track with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, marking a strong follow-up to their recent Premier League win against Tottenham. Palace clinched a spot in the League Cup quarter-finals thanks to goals from Eberechi Eze and Daichi Kamada, overcoming Villa’s equalizer by Jhon Duran.
Manager Oliver Glasner capitalized on Villa’s altered lineup, with multiple regular starters left out, pushing Palace closer to a Wembley appearance. The victory wasn’t without setbacks, though, as both Eze and Adam Wharton sustained first-half injuries and had to exit the game.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, who had downplayed the importance of the cup, fielded a side without key players like Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Martinez, and Youri Tielemans. This left Villa short of attacking power and unable to recover after Kamada’s decisive goal.
Despite the rotations, Villa opened with some promise. Tyrone Mings, back from a 445-day injury absence, joined the lineup, and Leon Bailey had two early opportunities, only to be denied by Palace goalkeeper Matt Turner and an off-target shot from Ian Maatsen’s setup.
Palace made their first real impact in the eighth minute, with a cross from Daniel Munoz that Eze directed into the bottom corner. Villa equalized in the 23rd minute as Boubacar Kamara regained possession and set up Bailey, who assisted Duran’s finish.
Villa pressed on, with close chances for Emiliano Buendia and Jaden Philogene, but Palace held firm. Duran tested Turner with a long-range effort in the second half but couldn’t convert.
Villa’s hopes took a hit when a misdirected pass from Diego Carlos allowed Kamada to slot in the winning goal in the 64th minute. With limited options on the bench, Villa couldn’t mount a comeback, and Palace eased through to the quarter-finals.
