RB Leipzig 2-3 Aston Villa: Ross Barkley's sensational performance off the bench secures vital victory for Unai Emery's team in Germany

Aston Villa pulled off a thrilling victory over RB Leipzig with a late goal from substitute Ross Barkley, whose shot deflected into the net.

Villa rose to third place in the standings thanks to the late winner in the 85th minute, while Leipzig squandered their chance to record their first points in the competition this season.

McGinn got Villa off to a flying start inside three minutes after guiding the ball past Peter Gulacsi and his side looked to be totally in control of the fixture, until a rare error from Emiliano Martinez gifted Leipzig an equaliser.

The Villa keeper allowed the ball to bounce in the penalty area, where Lois Openda was waiting, and could only watch as the striker rounded him and slotted the ball into an empty net.

Ollie Watkins, who assisted his captain for the opener, slotted the ball into the back of the net but saw it disallowed for offside, in what would be his last involvement of the game.

He was replaced by Jhon Duran at the break and it would not take long for the Colombia international to have his usual impact, as he curled a stunning long-range shot over the head of Gulacsi.

Christoph Baumgartner's equaliser was worthy of securing a first point in Europe for the hosts but they were denied that chance after Barkley was introduced, who then took a speculative effort from distance and saw it trickle in after taking a wicked deflection.

A crucial goal that secured a crucial win for Villa. From floundering outside the top eight, to sitting pretty in third.

Story of the match in stats

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