Aston Villa demonstrated their European pedigree with a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge, showing resilience and tactical flexibility to seize control of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Unai Emery’s side overcame difficult moments but ultimately displayed the composure and quality needed to secure a two-goal cushion ahead of next week’s second leg at Villa Park.
The visitors made an ideal start, with Tyrone Mings playing a crucial role in the opening goal. Rising above his marker, the defender nodded a Youri Tielemans free-kick into the path of Leon Bailey, who reacted sharply to fire home on the half-volley.
Brugge responded through Maxim De Cuyper, who slotted in after a surging run from Christos Tzolis, but the Premier League outfit refused to lose their grip on the contest.
Emiliano Martínez made a key save from Chemsdine Talbi before Mings produced a remarkable goal-line clearance to deny Hans Vanaken, preventing the hosts from seizing the lead.
As the game wore on, Emery’s tactical adjustments made the difference. A quadruple substitution introduced fresh energy, and the changes quickly paid off.
Morgan Rogers delivered a dangerous cross into the box, forcing Brandon Mechele to turn the ball into his own net under pressure from Ollie Watkins and Marco Asensio.
The Belgian champions had opportunities to respond, with Vanaken and Raphael Onyedika going close, but they lacked the cutting edge to break through.
At the other end, Asensio made no mistake when given his chance, calmly converting a late penalty after Tzolis brought down Matty Cash. The Spaniard’s fifth goal in four matches capped off an excellent away performance.
After the match, Emery praised his side’s mentality. “We knew it would be tough, but we stayed focused, adapted to the challenges and took our chances,” he said. “We are not in the quarter-finals yet, but we are in a strong position.”
With six wins from nine games in the competition, the Midlands club has shown they belong among Europe’s elite. Their ability to absorb pressure, adjust their approach and strike at key moments has made them a serious contender.
Next week, they will aim to finish the job and continue their impressive European journey.
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