Villa again impressed in the second half of a match but this time the opening period to let them down.
Usually, the Claret and Blue manage to keep their heads and keep their opponents out before striking in the last 20 minutes of games. Martin O'Neill's men have almost made it an art form.
Away from home they have put in some average performances yet still managed to claim maximum points on a number of occasions.
Villa have been nothing short of ruthless in truth.
Unfortunately, this time, against CSKA Moscow in the first leg of their Uefa Cup last 32 tie, Villa let their guard down and gave the Russians a big advantage from the outset.
Brazilian wizard Vagner Love scored a superb opening goal to stun the flag waving masses at Villa Park.
The blue haired striker was played in beautifully at the end of a fine Moscow move and he finished with aplomb, leaving Brad Guzan with no chance.
Guzan was strangely selected for the game, with O'Neill preferring him to the benched Brad Friedel.
Flying
James Milner also missed the game, meaning Nicky Shorey was given a start at left back with Luke Young and Craig Gardner shifting from their usual roles.
After Love hit the opener, the atmosphere went flat and so did Villa.
They struggled to get a foothold in the game against the tenacious and tricky Russians.
Zico's side lined up in a 4-5-1 formation, making it difficult for Villa to breach their defences.
But, the home team were enjoying success in wide areas and Ashley Young put in a few dangerous crosses.
Unfortunately for Villa, Gabby Agbonlahor and John Carew were unable to connect properly with any of the deliveries.
It was Norwegian international Carew who had the best chance, but he guided a header over the CSKA bar.
At half time a few boos were to be heard from the expectant home fans, who probably hadn't bargained for such a flying start from the Russians.
But, after the break, Villa were the ones who set the tone.
Streak
Gareth Barry became more and more influential and the CSKA box saw plenty of action.
Eight minutes after the interval Craig Gardner came close to a leveller but his header rebounded off the bar to safety.
The home fans were lifted and so were the team and it wasn't too long before Villa's pressure told.
Carew latched onto a Gardner pull back and shot tamely towards goal. CSKA keeper Igor Akinfeev failed to get his body behind the ball and it flew into the roof of the net.
Villa could have won it late on as Ashley Young shot just wide on the half volley but in the end it just wasn't to be.
The Claret and Blue will need to regain their ruthless streak and begin winning games that they don't play so well in if they are to claim the result they need in Moscow next week.
The second leg will undoubtedly be much tougher as it will be played on a plastic pitch, which the Villans need to adapt to quickly.
But, if Barry and Co play this well in the Russian capital they have every chance of setting up a tie against Shakhtar or indeed Tottenham Hotspur.