Aston Villa - Club Brugge Champions League review

Overview

With a 3-1 away win in the first leg, Aston Villa have almost set foot in the quarter-finals of the 2024-2025 Champions League. That was Villa's sweet revenge after losing to Club Brugge in the League Phase. They have shown impressive efficiency when taking only 7 shots with 4 of them hitting the Belgian team's goal.

In addition, the 1-0 victory over Brentford last weekend in the Premier League also helped coach Unai Emery's team stay in the top 7. This will help them strengthen their spirit before the second leg of the European Cup. With Aston Villa also out of action until the end of March, they have every right to attack Club Brugge to avoid being left out at home.

Meanwhile, Club Brugge are having difficulty finding a vulnerable opportunity to overcome Aston Villa. Remember, Club Brugge are currently in poor away form in the Champions League this season. They won 2, drew 1 and lost 2. In their only trip to England, Club Brugge also suffered a 1-3 defeat to Manchester City.

In contrast, Aston Villa have won all 4 matches at Villa Park this season in the Champions League arena. Including domestic competitions, Unai Emery's team has only suffered 2 defeats at home this season. This is an extremely impressive achievement, enough to help them get a good result against Club Brugge and win a ticket to the quarter-finals.

Personnel situation

Coach Unai Emery hopes goalkeeper Emi Martinez and rookie Marco Ansenio will be healthy enough to start. Boubacar Kamara could start in midfield after coming off the bench in his last two games.

On the other side of the front line, Bjorn Meijer and Joaquin Seys will be absent. Most likely, Club Brugge will still keep the same framework as in the first leg.

Expected lineup:

Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Disasi, Konsa, Mings, Digne, Kamara, Tielemans, Rogers, Ramsey, Watkins.

Club Brugge: Mignolet, Ordonez, Mechele, De Cuyper, Sabbe, Tzolis, Onyedika, Vanaken, Jashari, Talbi, Jutgla.