Aston Villa took a significant step toward the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with a 3-1 away victory over Club Brugge in the first leg of their round-of-16 tie on Tuesday.
Two late goals, including a Marco Asensio penalty, sealed the win for the Premier League side after a tightly contested match at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges.
The visitors got off to a perfect start in the third minute when Leon Bailey found the net with a precise first-time finish. The goal came from a well-worked set piece, with England defender Tyrone Mings rising highest to nod down a free-kick into Bailey’s path. The Jamaican winger made no mistake, firing past Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to give Villa an early lead.
Club Brugge, however, quickly showed their resilience and ability to compete at this level. They equalized in the 26th minute through Maxim De Cuyper, who arrived from his full-back position to meet a layoff from Greek international Christos Tzolis.
De Cuyper struck a powerful first-time shot that sailed beyond Emiliano Martinez and into the far corner, bringing the Belgian side level.
As the match progressed, Brugge grew in confidence and came close to taking the lead. Martinez was called into action to deny Chemsdine Talbi from close range, while Raphael Onyedika’s long-range effort also tested the Argentine shot-stopper early in the second half. Captain Hans Vanaken and Tzolis both squandered good opportunities as the hosts pushed for a second goal.
Villa manager Unai Emery made a decisive quadruple substitution just past the hour mark, bringing on fresh legs to rejuvenate his side. Among the changes was Spanish forward Marco Asensio, whose impact was immediate. The on-loan Paris Saint-Germain attacker nearly scored in the 68th minute, only for Mignolet to produce an excellent save.
The breakthrough for Villa came in the 82nd minute when a dangerous cross from Morgan Rogers forced an error from Brugge defender Brandon Mechele, who inadvertently turned the ball into his own net under pressure. The own goal handed Villa a late lead and shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.
As Brugge pressed for an equalizer, they left gaps at the back — and Villa capitalized. In the 88th minute, Matty Cash was brought down in the area by Tzolis, earning the visitors a penalty.
Asensio stepped up confidently and smashed his spot-kick past Mignolet, securing his fifth goal in four games and wrapping up a vital away victory for the English side.
The win puts Aston Villa in a commanding position ahead of the second leg at Villa Park next Wednesday. If they can finish the job, their reward will be a mouthwatering quarter-final clash against either Paris Saint-Germain or Liverpool.
