Get in the mood for Villa's opening NextGen Series clash against Sporting Lisbon by reliving one of our stunning performances from last year's tournament.

The Villa young guns produced some scintillating displays at Villa Park in the European competition last term - including a magnificent 3-0 victory over Dutch giants Ajax.

Hat-trick hero Gary Gardner stole the show on a brilliant European night at Villa Park back in November.

Click here to watch the highlights on AVTV.

The triumph ensured Villa's progression to the quarter-finals of the inaugural NextGen Series and completed a clean sweep of home wins.

Ajax made a strong start with Sven Nieuwpoort firing into the side netting before testing Benjamin Siegrist with a low drive.

But Villa soon took charge of the contest with Gardner producing a sensational display in the central ground.

Captain marvel Gardner connected with a Samir Carruthers cross and guided his header into the bottom corner to give Villa a 25th minute lead.

On 53 minutes, the England U21 international doubled his tally by wrong-footing Ajax keeper Mickey van der Hart with a free-kick.

Gardner then made a driving run through the middle to curl home his third goal seven minutes from time.

While Gardner's terrific treble grabbed the headlines, there were also some impressive displays from a number of Villa youngsters who are hoping to shine again in this year's competition.

Josh Webb was in fine form at the back and Graham Burke flourished in attack, while talented wingers Jack Grealish and Jordan Graham produced flashes of brilliance after coming on as substitutes.

Click here to watch the highlights on AVTV.

Cheer on the Villa young guns in Wednesday's clash against Sporting Lisbon - click here.