Matheus Nunes delivered a crucial stoppage-time goal to secure Manchester City a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium, significantly boosting their hopes of Champions League qualification. The win propelled City to third place in the Premier League, keeping their European destiny in their own hands with just four games remaining.
Bernardo Silva opened the scoring for City in the seventh minute, finishing off a low cross from Omar Marmoush after a surging run down the left wing. Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez got a hand to the shot but couldn’t keep it out.
Aston Villa responded quickly. Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, struck the post just 18 seconds into the match before equalizing from the penalty spot in the 18th minute. The penalty was awarded after VAR advised the referee to review a challenge by Rúben Dias on Jacob Ramsey. Rashford calmly converted, sending Stefan Ortega the wrong way.
The match appeared destined for a draw as both sides pushed for a winner in the second half. However, in the 94th minute, Matheus Nunes—recently converted to right-back—latched onto a low cross from Jérémy Doku and finished from a tight angle, sparking wild celebrations among City players and fans.
This was City’s 15th consecutive home league win over Aston Villa, a streak that underscores their dominance at the Etihad.
The victory means City will remain at least fifth in the table even if their closest rivals—Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, and Chelsea—win their games in hand.
After dominating the Premier League in recent years, City now find themselves fighting for a Champions League spot rather than the title, making this late win especially vital.
City now turn their focus to the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest at Wembley, while Villa must regroup quickly for their own semi-final against Crystal Palace.
Villa, who recently exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage, remain seventh in the league and are two points off the top five with four matches left.
Manchester City’s late surge keeps their Champions League hopes alive, while Aston Villa suffer another setback in their push for a top-five finish.