Aston Villa took a massive step toward the Champions League quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge in Belgium despite facing an early setback.
Leon Bailey put Villa ahead, but the lead was short-lived as Maxim De Cuyper equalized for Brugge just nine minutes later.
Both sides pushed for a breakthrough in the second half. Simon Mignolet’s superb save denied Marco Asensio, while Tyrone Mings made a crucial clearance to stop Hans Vanaken’s header from finding the net.
Villa eventually regained control in the 83rd minute, as Morgan Rogers’ cross led to Brandon Mechele’s own goal.
Two minutes later, Matty Cash won a penalty, and Asensio calmly slotted it home, sealing a 3-1 win for the visitors.
With a two-goal advantage, Villa heads into the second leg in commanding position, while Club Brugge faces an uphill battle to keep their European dreams alive.
