Aston Villa demolish Hibernian 5-0; Watkins bags hat-trick

Aston Villa destroyed Hibernian in a commanding fashion 5-0 in the first-leg Europa Conference League play-off on Wednesday night.

A commanding lead to take back to Villa Park, courtesy of our joint-biggest European win. 💪 pic.twitter.com/1ylIP4nK2f

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 23, 2023

Ollie Watkins stole the headlines with a brilliant solo display as he bagged a hat-trick, which all but ended the Hibs’ hopes of qualification.

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The 27-year-old opened the scoring with a sublime header, before doubling Villa’s lead with precise notch at the back post from Lucas Digne through ball.

Leon Bailey gave the visitors a comfortable 3-0 lead before the half-time interval with a fine header of his own.

Watkins completed his hat-trick just 3 minutes after the break after a VAR review deemed the striker onside, after the goal being initially disallowed.

The two sides meet again for the second leg next Thursday and the Hibs will try to do as much damage limitation as possible.