Aston Villa produced a commanding second-half show to ease previous Membership Brugge with a 3-0 victory at Villa Park, sealing their place within the Champions League quarter-finals 6-1 on mixture.
A brace from substitute Marco Asensio and a purpose from Ian Maatsen ensured Unai Emery’s facet progressed with ease, regardless of a sluggish first-half efficiency.
Regardless of their 3-1 deficit from the primary leg, Membership Brugge began brightly, controlling possession and placing Villa underneath early strain.
Hans Vanaken got here shut with a header, whereas Chemsdine Talbi compelled Emiliano Martinez right into a routine save.
The Belgian champions regarded assured, however their activity was made considerably tougher within the sixteenth minute when right-back Kyriani Sabbe was proven a straight purple card for pulling again Marcus Rashford as he raced via on purpose.
Even with a person benefit, Villa struggled to impose themselves. Their greatest likelihood of the primary half got here when Youri Tielemans’ free-kick was palmed away by Simon Mignolet.
Brugge, regardless of being down to 10 males, dominated possession, and the groups went into the break degree.
Into the following spherical 🤩 #UCL pic.twitter.com/qFRux7AJjQ
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) March 12, 2025
Emery responded with attacking modifications at half-time, introducing Marco Asensio and Leon Bailey, and the affect was virtually instant.
Inside 5 minutes of the restart, Villa broke the impasse. John McGinn unfold the ball extensive to Bailey, who squared for Asensio, and the Spaniard rifled the ball into the roof of the online to make it 4-1 on mixture.
Villa doubled their lead simply seven minutes later. Rashford and Morgan Rogers mixed to feed Ian Maatsen, whose close-range end took a deflection off Brandon Mechele and nestled behind the online.
It was the Dutch full-back’s first purpose for the membership, and successfully ended any hopes of a Brugge comeback.
Asensio continued his dream affect off the bench, grabbing his second of the evening within the 61st minute. Rashford raced down the left flank earlier than reducing again for the Actual Madrid loanee, who coolly slotted residence his seventh purpose in eight video games for Villa.
At 3-0 on the evening and 6-1 on mixture, Villa had been firmly in cruise management.
Villa practically added a fourth when Axel Disasi headed over from shut vary, whereas Rashford and Jacob Ramsey each examined Mignolet late on.
Brugge, visibly deflated, mustered little in response, and their valiant efforts within the competitors got here to an finish as Villa noticed out the ultimate minutes comfortably.
