Aston Villa and Leeds United shared the points at Villa Park on Saturday, February 21, 2026, after a tense 1-1 draw. Leeds looked set for a big away win thanks to Anton Stach and a brilliant first-half free-kick. However, Tammy Abraham came off the bench and struck late, scoring in the 88th minute to earn Villa a point as Unai Emery’s team chased a European place.
After 27 matches, Villa moved to 51 points and stayed on a strong recent run against Leeds. Meanwhile, Leeds took a useful point on the road as they try to ease relegation worries. Daniel Farke praised the performance, even though the late goal stung.
Match Highlights: Big Moments at Both Ends – WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS
- 31′ – Stach fires Leeds ahead
Back after a hip injury, Anton Stach stepped up and hit a 35-yard free-kick into the top corner. The strike flew past Emiliano Martinez and gave Leeds the lead after a bright opening spell. - Villa press before halftime
Villa grew into the game, but Karl Darlow stood firm. He made several important saves as Leeds tried to protect their advantage. On top of that, Ollie Watkins saw a goal ruled out for offside, which added to Villa’s frustration. - Villa controls the second half
After the break, Emery’s side pushed higher and held more of the ball. Emi Buendia came close when he struck the post. Still, Leeds stayed dangerous on counters, and Martinez had to deny Lukas Nmecha. - 88′ – Abraham makes it 1-1
Tammy Abraham, brought on in the 75th minute after his recent FA Cup goal against Newcastle, delivered when Villa needed him most. Jadon Sancho swung in a corner, Ezri Konsa nodded it back across goal, and Abraham finished from close range. The ball squeezed in past bodies on the line for his first Premier League goal since returning to Villa. - Added-time pressure, no winner
Both teams went for it in stoppage time, but neither found a late breakthrough. Referee Michael Oliver showed several yellow cards, including Buendia for Villa, plus Bijol, Darlow, Bogle, and Gruev for Leeds.
Overall, the match showed two different approaches. Leeds defended with focus and carried a threat from set pieces. Villa, on the other hand, turned up the pressure after halftime and finally got its reward.
Aston Villa Team Performance Overview
Villa showed fight and kept pushing, but they’ll feel they left chances on the table.
Aston Villa Key Stats and Lineup (Approximate Based on Reports)
| Position | Player | Key Contribution | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Emiliano Martinez | Save from Nmecha | Beaten by Stach’s free-kick |
| DEF | Matty Cash | Steady defending | Subbed late (Garcia 87′) |
| DEF | Ezri Konsa | Header assist for equalizer | Led the back line |
| DEF | Tyrone Mings | Strong in duels | |
| DEF | Ian Maatsen | Support runs down the flank | |
| MID | Amadou Onana | Energy in midfield | |
| MID | Douglas Luiz | Passing and control | Subbed (Bogarde 87′) |
| MID | Leon Bailey | Width and attacking threat | |
| FWD | Emi Buendia | Hit the post | Booked |
| FWD | Ollie Watkins | Goal disallowed for offside | Led the line |
| FWD | Morgan Rogers | Link-up play in attack | |
| SUB (Key) | Tammy Abraham | Goal (88′) | Late impact |
| SUB | Jadon Sancho | The corner that started the goal | Changed the tempo |
Villa’s late surge showed their spirit. Even so, dropping points at home could hurt if the teams around them win their games in hand.
Leeds United Team Performance Overview
Leeds put together a well-organized away display and nearly made it count.
Leeds United Key Stats and Lineup (Approximate Based on Reports)
| Position | Player | Key Contribution | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Karl Darlow | Several key saves | Booked |
| DEF | Jayden Bogle | Strong defending | Booked |
| DEF | Gudmundsson | Started, went off at halftime | Replaced by Bijol |
| DEF | Joe Rodon | Commanding in the air | |
| DEF | Strujik / Justin | Kept shape well | |
| MID | Ethan Ampadu | Ball-winning and pressure | |
| MID | Ilia Gruev | Work rate in midfield | Booked |
| MID | Anton Stach | Goal (31′ free-kick) | Subbed late (Longstaff 83′) |
| FWD | Aarondon | Pressing and movement | |
| FWD | Dominic Calvert-Lewin | Late goal-line involvement | |
| SUB (Key) | Jaka Bijol | Helped steady the back line | Booked |
| SUB | Lukas Nmecha | Shot saved by Martinez |
Farke’s side executed their plan for long stretches and came close to a statement win. In the end, they had to settle for a point, even if it felt like two slipped away.
Final Take: Villa Fight Back, Leeds Settle for a Point
This Aston Villa vs Leeds United 1-1 draw had a bit of everything: a long-range stunner, big saves, and late drama. Villa will take encouragement from Abraham’s late goal and their second-half push. Leeds can point to Stach’s free-kick and their discipline as positives as they keep battling for safety in the Premier League 2025/26 season.
