Aston Villa advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals after knocking out Club Brugge.
Club Brugge found themselves in trouble after just 17 minutes as defender Kryiani Sabbe was sent off after he brought down Marcus Rashford. Chemsdine’s effort was well saved by Emi Martinez as the visitors kept up the pressure despite being a man down. Rashford’s effort late in the half hit the side net as Villa tried to control the tempo of the game.
In the second half, substitutes Marco Asensio and Leon Bailey combined perfectly, and Asensio opened the scoring on the night. Defender Ian Maatsen then added the second goal for the home side after being teed up perfectly by Morgan Rogers. Marco Asensio then scored his second of the game to seal the game for Aston Villa after meeting Rashford’s cross. It was the third time he scored a brace since joining the Aston Villa side.
Speaking after the win, Unai Emery heaped praise on Asensio. “We are happy with him. We are protecting him because he is not 100 per cent … Today, he was feeling good. He wanted to start the match, but I decided to protect him. He played in the moment we needed him, and he took the responsibility to do his task and score goals.” He said.
