Aston Villa won 3-1 at the Jan Breydel Stadium in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League tie against Club Brugge.
Leon Bailey’s strike in the early exchanges kicked off an exciting fixture. Shortly after, Maxim De Cuyper levelled things up, but Brandon Mechele’s own goal and Marco Asensio’s penalty proved to be the difference between the sides.
The two teams will meet once again on Wednesday 13th March, where Unai Emery’s side will defend their lead at Villa Park.
As it happened
It did not take long for the visitors to break the deadlock – three minutes to be exact – when Bailey’s half-volley flashed into the bottom corner.
However, Club Brugge bounced back moments later. Christos Tzolis’ pass was perfect for De Cuyper to strike, and his effort curled past Emiliano Martínez into the bottom corner.
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter a hectic opening 20 minutes, Club Brugge enjoyed spells of possession and consistently tested the Villa defence, but struggled to find the finishing touch they needed.
Chemsdine Talbi’s effort looked destined for the bottom corner, but it stung the palms of Martínez, who saved the effort superbly.
After the interval, the hosts continued to hold the ball for heavy amounts of time and, on the odd occasion, entered the Villa box.
Tyrone Mings was vital for the visitors at times, and was comfortable in clearing the danger when his team needed him most.
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite Club Brugge having a foothold in the fixture, Simon Mignolet was forced into action when substitute Asensio struck the ball powerfully towards goal.
Tzolis was heavily involved in the host’s build up once again and his inviting cross found the head of Hans Vanaken. His effort had the home fans on the edge of their seats, but the deftest of touches from Mings knocked the ball an inch away from goal to deny the attempt.
Tzolis then seemed to take matters into his own hands, and should’ve given the hosts the lead, but his strike from close range did not test Martínez as it sailed over the bar.
Morgan Rogers’ later cross proved to be too difficult for Mechele. In his attempt to clear the ball, it deflected towards his own goal and flew past Mignolet to give Villa the lead.
Embed from Getty ImagesAsensio clinically wrapped up the game from 12 yards. After Matty Cash earned the spot kick, the experienced Spaniard placed the ball into the side netting.
Aston Villa won on the night, but there is still plenty to play for in the second leg.
In the meantime, Emery’s side will turn their attention to the Premier League, as they travel to Brentford. Meanwhile, Club Brugge will face Cercle Brugge.
The lineups
CLU: Mignolet, De Cuyper, Ordonez, Mechele, Sabbe, Onyedika, Jashari,Tzolis, Vanaken, Talbi, Jutgla.
AVI: Martinez, Digne, Mings, Disasi, Konsa, Tielemans, McGinn, Rashford, Rogers, Bailey, Watkins.