Club Brugge vs Aston Villa Report

Scorers: DeCuyper 12’; Bailey 3’, Mechele (OG) 82’, Asensio 88’ (P)

Aston Villa secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Club Brugge in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League (UCL) last-16 tie, thanks to a late own goal and a Marco Asensio penalty. The result gives Unai Emery’s side a strong position heading into the second leg at Villa Park.

First Half: Fast Start for Villa, Brugge Respond

Villa, who had failed to score in a 1-0 defeat at Jan Breydelstadion during the league phase, took less than three minutes to break the deadlock this time.

Tyrone Mings atoned for his costly error in the previous fixture, nodding a Youri Tielemans set-piece back into the danger area, where Leon Bailey arrived to guide a controlled half-volley into the bottom-left corner.

Brugge, however, responded well, exposing Villa’s struggles on the road. Christos Tzolis was instrumental in the equaliser, cutting inside from the left before teeing up Maxim De Cuyper, who struck a precise finish into the far corner past Emiliano Martínez.

Buoyed by the goal, Brugge seized the initiative, dominating possession and pinning Villa back. Chemsdine Talbi came close to putting the hosts in front, forcing Martínez into a reflex save from close range. Despite their control, Brugge could not find a second before half-time.

Second Half: Tactical Adjustments and Late Drama

Brugge continued to control possession early in the second half but failed to seriously test Martínez. Their best effort came through Raphael Onyedika, whose long-range attempt was comfortably gathered by the Villa goalkeeper.

Unai Emery made four changes midway through the second half to inject fresh energy, and Villa soon began to create chances. Marco Asensio tested Brugge’s goalkeeper, while at the other end, Hans Vanaken saw his header superbly cleared by Mings.

With the game finely poised, Brugge had a golden opportunity to take the lead when Vanaken played through Tzolis, but the Greek forward blazed his effort over the bar. That miss proved costly as Villa regained the lead moments later.

Morgan Rogers delivered a dangerous ball from the right, intended for Ollie Watkins, but Brugge’s Brandon Mechele inadvertently turned it into his own net under pressure.

The hosts’ problems deepened when Tzolis clumsily brought down Matty Cash inside the box in the closing minutes. Asensio stepped up and confidently dispatched the resulting penalty, securing his fifth goal in four appearances for Villa.

What’s Next?

Villa head into the second leg at Villa Park with a commanding 3-1 advantage, knowing they have lost just once in their last 22 home matches.

Club Brugge, meanwhile, will need to replicate their impressive 3-1 away win over Atalanta from the play-off round if they are to stand any chance of progressing.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Club Brugge vs Aston Villa | UEFA Champions League 2024/25