Aston Villa Takes Charge with Late Goals in Brugge

Aston Villa took a huge step towards the Champions League quarter-finals with a statement win in Brugge, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing.

March 4, 2025
9:49 pm

Aston Villa made a big move towards the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with a late double in Belgium, winning 3-1 against Club Brugge. This is only their third win in 13 away European games, but it puts them in a great spot for the second leg at Villa Park.

After struggling in their group-stage loss at this same venue in November, Unai Emery’s team wasted no time this time around. Tyrone Mings, looking to bounce back from his mistake in that previous 1-0 loss, jumped high to meet Youri Tielemans’ cross, nodding it back for Leon Bailey, who smoothly half-volleyed it into the bottom corner.

Villa’s early energy was clear, but their defense still had some holes. They’ve only kept one clean sheet in their last 15 away matches, and their lead vanished before the 20-minute mark. Christos Tzolis chased down a long ball, cut inside, and found Maxim De Cuyper, who calmly finished into the far corner to equalize.

That goal fired up the home crowd, and Brugge nearly took control. Chemsdine Talbi forced Emiliano Martínez into a quick save before halftime, as the hosts dominated possession. They kept pushing after the break, but aside from a long-range shot from Raphael Onyedika that Martínez handled easily, clear chances were hard to come by.

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Unai Emery made a big change with four substitutions, and it worked! Marco Asensio almost scored for Villa, and Hans Vanaken had a powerful header cleared off the line by Mings. Soon after, Tzolis missed a chance when he was through on goal, and Brugge paid for their missed opportunities.

Morgan Rogers sent a low cross from the right aimed at Ollie Watkins, but Brandon Mechele’s desperate lunge accidentally redirected the ball into his own net. Things got worse for Brugge when Tzolis fouled Matty Cash in the box, letting Asensio step up and coolly score from the penalty spot – his fifth goal in four games for Villa.

With just one loss in their last 22 home games – including an unbeaten league phase – Villa is feeling good about finishing the job in Birmingham. Club Brugge, on the other hand, will need to channel their amazing 3-1 away win over Atalanta in the play-offs if they want to pull off an upset at Villa Park.