Aston Villa opened a new chapter in Belgium. They beat Club Brugge 3-2 to claim their first win of the season. The night mixed comfort with late tension and ended in clear relief.
John McGinn scored first. He side-footed a precise finish into the corner after Pau Torres drove forward. The goal made McGinn the club’s all-time leading European scorer with 12 strikes. Villa controlled the first half and created many chances.
Emiliano Buendia added a second soon after. He tapped in from close range after good work by Joao Gomes. Nicolas Jackson then raced onto a long ball from Torres. He beat goalkeeper Yann Sommer to the ball and slotted into an empty net for his first Villa goal.
Club Brugge improved after the break. They scored a penalty through Nicolo Tresoldi after Aaron Wan-Bissaka handled the ball. The hosts pressed hard and even hit the post. Villa stood firm and protected the lead.
The win carried real value. Villa had scored none in their first three Premier League games. They managed only one shot on target before this match. Nine shots on target in Belgium brought clear comfort.
McGinn spoke after the game. “It’s a new Villa and it was a big test for the new players to dig in. Club Brugge were pushing and pushing and we had to stand strong. We managed to do that.”
Unai Emery praised the response. “We did one very important step forward, being resilient when we were struggling. We must work hard – it is the only way.” Jackson added that the team focuses only on the next game and takes the journey step by step.
The result gives Villa early belief. New players such as Joao Gomes and teenager George Hemmings gained vital experience. The squad now returns home for Premier League and cup fixtures with fresh momentum.
