Ollie Watkins scores three as Aston Villa defeat Hibernian

Ollie Watkins netted a hat-trick as Aston Villa fired five past Hibernian in the first-leg of the Europa Conference League play-off.

Watkins scored twice in the first half before a close-range header from Leon Bailey saw Villa go into the half-time break 0-3 up at Easter Road.

The England striker completed his hat-trick just minutes into the second half, after VAR reviewed his first-time finish past David Marshall.

A dream European debut. 😍

Three goals for Ollie Watkins tonight! 👌 pic.twitter.com/Z1bBXba0qQ

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 23, 2023

The emphatic 0-5 win was rounded off with a Douglas Luiz penalty, giving Villa a record-equalling European win.

The second leg takes place at Villa Park August 31.