Club Brugge 1-3 Aston Villa Player Ratings: Late Turnaround Wins the Game for Unai Emery’s Men in RO16 Away clash

Aston Villa secured a commanding 3-1 away victory over Club Brugge in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie at Jan Breydelstadion. Despite an evenly contested first half, Villa capitalized on key moments in the second period to take a significant advantage back to Birmingham.

Leon Bailey gave Villa the perfect start in the third minute, sweeping home after Tyrone Mings’ header set him up inside the box. However, Brugge responded quickly, with Maxim De Cuyper finishing off a well-worked move set up by Christos Tzolis. The hosts dominated possession and had more chances before the break, but Emiliano Martinez made some crucial saves to keep Villa level at halftime.

Villa absorbed pressure in the second half before regaining the lead in the 82nd minute when Brugge defender Brandon Mechele inadvertently turned Morgan Rogers’ cross into his own net. The visitors then put the game beyond doubt five minutes later, as Marco Asensio converted a confident penalty after Tzolis fouled Matty Cash inside the box.

Unai Emery’s men take a two-goal cushion into the second leg at Villa Park, leaving Club Brugge with an uphill task if they are to progress to the quarter-finals.

Here are the Club Brugge vs Aston Villa Player Ratings.

Club Brugge Player Ratings

GK- Simon Mignolet– 6/10

The Brugge goalkeeper produced an excellent save to deny Rashford in the first half and commanded his area well

RB- Kyriani Sabbe– 6.5/10

He defended resolutely against Rashford, limiting his impact on the game and also helped his team build from the back was substituted very late.

CB- Joel Ordóñez – 6.2/10

Ordonez made numerous interceptions and clearances during his appearance on the pitch, he also snuffed out several Villa attacks and distributed well from the back.

CB- Brandon Mechele– 5.9/10

Missed a golden header chance but remained composed in defence alongside fellow centre half Ordóñez. Was unfortunate to put the ball in the back of his own net while attempting to nick the ball away from Watkins.

LB- Maxim De Cuyper– 8.2/10

He made several attacking attempts which got Villa in trouble. De Cuyper used his pace and struck home a great cut-back pass by Tzolis to level the scores.

DM- Raphael Onyedika- 6.5/10

Onyedika dominated the midfield battle and effectively nullified Rogers and was key to Brugge’s control despite the game being 50-50.

DM- Ardon Jashari– 6.5/10

He was neat in possession but struggled to dictate the tempo of the game

AM- Hans Vanaken– 6/10

Showed glimpses of his creativity but Vanaken wasn’t as influential as he usually is. Had a great-headed opportunity denied by the slightest touch by Mings in the second half.

RW- Chemsdine Talbi– 6.4/10

The youngster was lively and direct. He forced a great save from Martinez. One of Brugge’s most dangerous players.

LW- Christos Tzolis– 7.5/10

Assisted the equalizer with a smart cutback to De Cuyper. Looked sharp and caused problems for Villa’s defence. Had another great chance in the second half but didn’t show composure and skied the shot. But also gave away a penalty to Villa late in the game.

ST- Ferran Jutgla– 5.8/10

He had limited space and chances. Worked hard but lacked end product but won his team a few set pieces in dangerous areas.

SUB- Gustaf Nilsson– NA

He came to give Bruges fresh legs and possibly a chance to get an equaliser but the third goal by Villa nullified his chances.

SUB- Hugo Siquet– NA

He didn’t have much time to prove his worth in the game and was brought on following the second goal by Villa.

SUB- Hugo Vetlesen– NA

Came on late in the game and could’ve scored with the very first touch but skied the shot.

SUB- Michal Skórás– NA

Manager: Nicky Hayen – 6.7/10

The first half looked as if both teams were evenly matched, but in the second half Brugge showed real threat going forward and deserved to lead but crumpled in a late turn of events after an own goal by Mechele, they couldn’t recover. His team now has a big mountain to climb in the second leg at Villa Park.

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Aston Villa Player Ratings

GK- Emiliano Martinez– 6.5/10

The World Champion goalkeeper made crucial saves, including a sharp stop to deny young Talbi. He commanded his box well.

RB- Axel Disasi- 7/10

Looked uncomfortable against Brugge’s high press. Beaten too easily for De Cuyper’s goal and was substituted by Matty Cash.

CB- Tyrone Mings– 7.3/10

Assisted Bailey’s opener with a clever header in the first few minutes of the game, but had shaky moments in defence.

CB- Ezri Konsa – 7/10

He struggled to deal with Bruges’ attacking plan but still managed to get the job well in an open-play situation.

LB- Lucas Digne– 7.1/10

The Frenchman provided some dangerous crosses but struggled to contain Tzolis.

CM- Youri Tielemans– 7.2/10

Showed glimpses of quality but lacked influence in the game. Struggled against Brugge’s midfield press.

CM- John McGinn– 6.4/10

Alongside Tielemans, he worked hand-in-hand to guard the midfield area from the opponents’ siege which was difficult to deal with. But his passing was inconsistent and was substituted by Kamara.

AM- Morgan Rogers– 6.8/10

Playing at the back of the striker enabled him to move freely but looked more lively in the second half, and produced a clever low cross which was turned into an own goal by Mechele.

LW Marcus Rashford– 6.4/10

Rashford was a bright spark in attack with a couple of threatening runs. His effort was denied by Mignolet in the first half.

RW- Leon Bailey– 7.7/10

Bailey struck home the opening goal of the evening, a perfect half-volley into the bottom left corner and showed flashes of pace.

ST- Ollie Watkins– 6.4/10

Watkins worked tirelessly today but lacked service. One of his headed efforts was weak and off target. Was substituted late in the game.

SUB- Marco Asensio- 7.5/10

Scored the winning penalty to give Villa a comfortable scoreline to take the game back to Villa Park. Came on to replace Marcus Rashford and very nearly scored only to be denied by a great save by Mignolet.

SUB- Matty Cash- 7/10

Another substitute that combined in a strong attack and looked clever going forward as soon as he came on to replace Disasi, also won Villa the decisive penalty.

SUB- Jacob Ramsey- 6.5/10

Came on in the second half to provide fresh legs in the attacking third.

SUB- Boubacar Kamara- 5/10

Replaced McGinn to provide that extra defensive cover to the team by winning second balls and nullifying Brugge’s attacks.

SUB- Lamare Bogarde- NA

Manager: Unai Emery – 7/10

Unai Emery would be really happy to take a two-goal lead back to Villa Park and the late turnaround by his team and get the better of Club Brugge this time.

The Sportsdunia player of the match goes to Maxim De Cuyper despite losing the game.

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