Club Brugge vs Aston Villa Preview

• Draw
• Both teams to score

Few would have predicted Club Brugge making it this far in the UEFA Champions League, but after a stunning 5-2 aggregate win over Atalanta, the Belgian side are dreaming of a historic quarter-final appearance.

Their last visit to this stage was back in 1977/78, a season in which they went all the way to the final before losing to Liverpool.

To keep their fairytale alive, they will have to overcome Aston Villa, a side they already defeated 1-0 in the UCL league phase back in November.

However, Unai Emery’s team is vastly experienced in knockout football and, despite recent away struggles, Villa will be determined to set the record straight and reach their first Champions League quarter-final since their 1981/82 title-winning campaign.

This is set to be a fascinating clash between Brugge’s impressive home record and Villa’s European pedigree under a manager who has guided four different clubs into the UCL knockout rounds.

Key Stats & Facts

• Club Brugge have won three of their last four UCL home games (D1), all by a one-goal margin.
• Brugge’s only win in their last 16 matches against English opposition came in November’s 1-0 victory over Villa (D3, L12).
• Aston Villa have won just two of their last 12 away matches (D1, L9), failing to score in six of those losses.
• Villa have won only one of their last five European matches against Belgian sides (D1, L3).
• Brugge have lost just once in their last 17 home games across all competitions (W13, D3).
• Villa’s Marco Asensio has scored four times in his last three matches, with three of those goals assisted by Marcus Rashford.

Club Brugge: Can They Cause Another Shock?

Despite being the lowest-ranked side to qualify for the knockout rounds, Club Brugge have defied expectations in this competition. Their 5-2 aggregate victory over Atalanta was one of the biggest surprises of the playoff round, and they’ll be confident of another upset on home soil.

Their home form is outstanding, having lost just once in their last 17 matches at Jan Breydelstadion (W13, D3). With a passionate crowd behind them and the belief from November’s 1-0 win over Villa, Brugge will aim to take a lead into the second leg.

Recent Form (All Competitions)

• Belgian Pro League: Club Brugge 2-1 Anderlecht – Win
• Belgian Pro League: Standard Liege 1-1 Club Brugge – Draw
• UEFA Champions League: Club Brugge 2-1 Atalanta – Win
• UEFA Champions League: Atalanta 1-3 Club Brugge – Win
• Belgian Pro League: Club Brugge 3-1 Union SG – Win

Key Player: Chemsdine Talbi (Forward)

• Directly contributed to three of Brugge’s five goals against Atalanta (2 goals, 1 assist).
• Could become the first Belgian teenager to score three goals in a single UCL campaign.
• Pacey, direct, and a constant attacking threat.

Aston Villa: Can Emery’s Experience Deliver A Turnaround?

While Villa have a poor recent away record, Unai Emery’s European pedigree cannot be overlooked.

The Spaniard has led four different teams into the knockout stages of the Champions League, and his experience in navigating two-legged ties could be crucial in overcoming Brugge.

However, Villa’s away form is a major concern, having won just two of their last 12 matches on the road (D1, L9). Their inability to score in six of those losses highlights a worrying trend. If they want to progress, Villa must improve their efficiency in front of goal away from home.

Recent Form (All Competitions)

• Premier League: Aston Villa 2-2 Liverpool – Draw
• Premier League: Crystal Palace 1-2 Aston Villa – Win
• Premier League: Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea – Win
• Premier League: Aston Villa 1-1 Ipswich – Draw
• FA Cup: Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham – Win

Key Player: Marco Asensio (Midfielder/Forward)

• Has scored four goals in his last three matches.
• Three of those goals were assisted by Marcus Rashford.
• A proven performer in big European matches.

Team News & Predicted Lineups

Club Brugge Team News

• No major injury concerns, meaning manager Nicky Hayen has a full squad to choose from.
• Chemsdine Talbi is in fine form and will be crucial in attack.

Aston Villa Team News

• Unai Emery has no fresh injuries but will be concerned about the team’s away form.
• Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio are likely to start together again.

Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Meetings in European Competitions)

Key Trends

• Brugge won the last meeting 1-0 in November.
• Villa have struggled against Belgian opposition historically (W1, D1, L3).
• Brugge have a strong home record in the Champions League.

Match Prediction

This is a tricky test for Aston Villa. Their away form is poor, and Brugge’s home record in Europe is excellent. The Belgian side have already shown they can frustrate English opposition, and they have momentum after their stunning win over Atalanta.

However, Villa have more individual quality, and if Asensio, Rashford, and Watkins combine well, they should create chances. Brugge’s defence is not impenetrable, having conceded 42 goals in their last 16 European games against English teams.

A tight, hard-fought game is likely, but Villa should have enough to return to England with a draw and a crucial away goal.

Final Score Prediction: Club Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa

• Brugge to remain difficult to beat at home.
• Villa’s attacking quality to produce a crucial goal.
• Everything to play for in the second leg at Villa Park.

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Club Brugge vs Aston Villa | UEFA Champions League 2024/25