Aston Villa vs Bologna Report
Scorers: McGinn 55’, Duran 64’
Aston Villa maintained their flawless UEFA Champions League campaign with a dominant 2-0 victory over Bologna at Villa Park, becoming the first UCL debutant since Leicester City in 2016/17 to keep clean sheets in their opening three games.
First Half: Villa Dominate but Bologna Hold Firm
Villa Park was packed for another thrilling European night, but despite their dominance, Aston Villa struggled to find the back of the net in the first half.
Ian Maatsen’s relentless runs down the flank kept Riccardo Orsolini pinned back in defence, while Morgan Rogers orchestrated play from midfield.
Villa’s closest chance came from a set-piece when Jhon Durán’s header forced a fine save from Łukasz Skorupski, who managed to clear the ball from a crowded box.
Bologna, still searching for the spark that brought them success last season, had moments of their own.
Thijs Dallinga tested Emiliano Martínez after some slick play from Dan Ndoye, and Dallinga again found space after a poor pass from Leon Bailey but couldn’t convert from the edge of the box.
Second Half: McGinn’s Free-Kick and Durán’s Strike Seal the Win
The second half started with more intensity. Leon Bailey dragged a half-volley wide, while Bologna’s Stefan Posch had an opportunity from the edge of the area but failed to hit the target.
Villa finally broke the deadlock in the 57th minute in a somewhat bizarre fashion. John McGinn’s inswinging free-kick from the right sailed over everyone and into the far corner of Skorupski’s goal.
Bologna’s players protested, feeling they should have been awarded a free-kick in the build-up, but the goal stood.
Bologna struggled to recover after conceding, and 10 minutes later, Villa put the game out of reach.
A raking pass from Diego Carlos found Morgan Rogers, who delivered a low cross for Jhon Durán to coolly convert, doubling Villa’s lead and sealing the victory.
The goal capped off another impressive European night for Unai Emery’s side, as they continue to thrive on their return to the competition after a 42-year absence.
Conclusion
Aston Villa’s commanding 2-0 victory over Bologna continues their perfect start to the UCL campaign. With three clean sheets and an impressive defensive record, Villa’s return to Europe’s elite competition has been nothing short of spectacular.
Bologna, meanwhile, will need to regroup as their winless streak continues in European competition.
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