Aston Villa beat Leeds United in their opening game of the Queensland Champions Cup at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
Philippe Coutinho led the Villans’ charge in the first 45 minutes but saw his penalty and rebound superbly saved by Ilan Meslier.
The United ‘keeper denied Ollie Watkins with another stunning save shortly after as the sides went in at half-time level.
In the second half, Danny Ings had a goal ruled out before he struck the decisive blow after 64 minutes, netting Villa’s second spot kick of the game.
Robin Olsen, Matty Cash, Lucas Digne, Jacob Ramsey and Coutinho got their first action of pre-season from the start, while Villa fans also got to see Boubacar Kamara for the first time.
Leeds had beaten Brisbane Roar in their opening game of the cup on Thursday, and they looked the sharper of the two sides in the early stages without managing to test Olsen.
The imposing Swedish stopper was the first goalkeeper to be called into action after 20 minutes, throwing himself across goal to beat Dan James’ fierce half-volley behind for a corner.
Olsen’s opposite number, Meslier, was suddenly facing up to a Villa penalty minutes later when Tyler Adams handled in the box.
After a stuttering run-up, Coutinho saw his spot kick saved, with Meslier then producing a stunning stop to deny the Brazilian’s rebound.
Despite missing the penalty, Villa burst into life and looked certain to score shortly after when Watkins was sent clean through by Coutinho. However, the striker’s effort was superbly diverted over the crossbar by a stunning one-handed stop from Meslier.
Patrick Bamford called Olsen into action after 30 minutes, with the rest of the half passing by without major incident.
Steven Gerrard made nine changes at the break, retaining Olsen and Calum Chambers from the first half starting XI.
And the new-look Villans started the half brightly, with Ings seeing a goal disallowed before they finally broke the deadlock on 64 minutes.
Leif Davis was the guilty Leeds defender on this occasion as United gave away another penalty for handball, allowing Ings to step up and send Meslier the wrong way.
Young centre-back Josh Feeney, 17, got a chance to impress when he replaced Chambers, linking up with Diego Carlos at the heart of defence.
The pair were rarely threatened as Villa held on for the win, setting themselves up nicely for Wednesday’s game against Brisbane Roar.
Aston Villa first half starting XI: Olsen, Cash, Mings, Chambers, Digne, Kamara, Luiz, J.Ramsey, Coutinho, Bailey, Watkins.
Aston Villa second half starting XI: Olsen, Guilbert, Chambers, Carlos, A.Young, McGinn, Nakamba, Sanson, Buendia, A.Ramsey, Ings.