Aston Villa capitalized on Club Brugge’s late defensive lapses to secure a 3-1 victory in their Champions League last-16 first-leg encounter, giving them the upper hand ahead of next Wednesday’s return leg at Villa Park.
For much of the match, Brugge appeared in control, but two late errors proved costly against an otherwise underwhelming Villa side.
The hosts first gifted their opponents an own goal in the 82nd minute, as Brandon Mechele inadvertently turned Morgan Rogers’ cross into his own net.
Just five minutes later, a reckless challenge from Christos Tzolis on Matty Cash inside the box left the referee with no choice but to award a penalty.
Marco Asensio, a three-time Champions League winner, stepped up and confidently converted, continuing his fine form with three goals in his last two appearances for Villa.
Brugge’s Bright Start Undone by Costly Mistakes
Despite the eventual defeat, Brugge had responded well to an early setback. Aston Villa wasted no time in taking the lead, with Leon Bailey executing a superb volley just three minutes into the contest.
However, the Belgian side found an answer in the 12th minute when Maxim De Cuyper expertly side-footed home from a Tzolis cutback, exposing Villa’s vulnerability to balls played over the top.
Brugge had further opportunities to gain an advantage, with Chemsdine Talbi forcing a strong save from Emiliano Martinez, while Hans Vanaken and Tzolis both came close in the second half.
Their failure to capitalize ultimately left the door open for Villa’s late resurgence.
Team Selection and Tactical Adjustments
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery made four changes from the side that won in the FA Cup, with Andres Garcia, Lamare Bogarde, Ian Maatsen, and Marco Asensio dropping to the bench.
In their place, Axel Disasi, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne, and Morgan Rogers stepped into the starting XI.
Marcus Rashford also featured, making his first Champions League appearance since being sent off for Manchester United against Copenhagen in November 2023.
Villa’s Advantage, but Brugge Not Out Yet
While Villa now hold a strong position heading into the second leg, history offers Brugge a glimmer of hope.
However, overturning a two-goal deficit in a European knockout tie remains a rare feat, with only one team—Manchester United against PSG in 2018/19—achieving it after losing the first leg at home by two or more goals.
Unai Emery remained cautious despite the result, emphasizing that the job is far from finished.
“We are not in the quarter-final. There’s still 90 minutes to play, we’re ready in case we need extra-time and penalties because I know how difficult it is in each match and how we can change one match in 90 minutes.”
“The players, I’m sure they have experiences before as well with matches like that and we have to respect the opponent always.”
“They won against Atalanta 3-1 and they compete very well. We need to watch the match again with the players to understand the difficulties we can face against teams in Europe.”
“I am happy but calm.”
With their fate now firmly in their hands, Villa will aim to finish the job at home, while Brugge must find a way to bounce back if they hope to keep their Champions League dream alive.
