After a four-decade absence, Aston Villa marked their return to the UEFA Champions League with a commanding 3-0 win over Young Boys in Switzerland on Tuesday.
Youri Tielemans, formerly of Leicester City, gave Unai Emery’s side the lead with a low drive in the 27th minute. Jacob Ramsey then doubled the advantage with a strike in the 38th minute, putting Villa firmly in control.
Although Ollie Watkins scored a third goal two minutes before halftime, it was disallowed after a VAR review.
Villa dominated possession in the second half and maintained their lead. Watkins was substituted in the 60th minute for Jhon Duran, who nearly added to the score with a goal in the 78th minute.
Duran’s goal was ruled out by VAR for handball, but André Onana’s superb finish six minutes from time counted, ensuring a 3-0 victory for Aston Villa.
The win marked a memorable return to the Champions League for Villa, who will now shift their focus to the league, where they are set to face Wolves at the weekend.
