Aston Villa suffered their first Champions League defeat after losing 1-0 to Club Brugge in bizarre circumstances.
Also Read: UCL Match Report! Club Brugge vs Aston Villa Match Updates, News and Scores (6th November, 2024)
Brugge captain Hans Vanaken scored a penalty in the second half after Tyrone Mings picked the ball up inside the box following Emi Martinez’s goal kick.
The centre-back was unaware that his goalkeeper had already taken the kick before moving it back into the six-yard box.
Mings, who had already been booked in the first half, was not sent off for his mistake. He was one of five changes Unai Emery made to the team that lost 4-1 to Tottenham last time out. Diego Carlos, Ian Maatsen, Boubacar Kamara, and Leon Bailey also returned to the starting XI.
In the first half, Villa had a few chances, with Ollie Watkins narrowly missing the target from a strike on the edge of the box. However, it was Brugge who had the best chance of the period.
Martinez made a brilliant save to deny Ferran Jutgla’s strike inside the box, pushing the ball off the post and quickly recovering to deny Christos Tzolis.
The hosts dominated the final moments of the first half and, in the 52nd minute, took advantage of a gift from Villa. After Mings picked up the ball inside the box, referee Tobias Stieler awarded a penalty, which Vanaken converted down the middle to beat Martinez.
Villa will now turn their attention back to Premier League duties when they face Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday (8 pm kick-off).
Player Ratings
Emi Martinez: 6
Made a brilliant save to deny Jutgla and quickly recovered to stop Tzolis’ strike. He relieved pressure on his defense but had no chance to save the penalty.
Ezri Konsa: 6
Played at right-back, completing 90% of his passes and winning all three aerial duels he contested.
Diego Carlos: 6
Complimented Mings well but picked up a needless yellow card for dissent after Mings’ booking.
Tyrone Mings: 5
Had a solid performance before his lapse in concentration led to the penalty. His mistake cost Villa dearly.
Ian Maatsen: 6
Played solidly defensively and got forward, but his final product lacked quality.
Boubacar Kamara: 7
Another solid performance in midfield, especially considering his injury recovery. His passing was sharp, and he played an excellent cross to McGinn in the first half.
Youri Tielemans: 6
Faced boos from Brugge fans due to his previous connection with Anderlecht. Played well in the first half, but his second-half delivery, especially from set-pieces, was lacking.
Leon Bailey: 5
Struggled to find his rhythm and couldn’t deliver when it mattered, although he brought pace and width to Villa’s attack.
John McGinn: 6
Played a central role in the first half but faded in the second period as Villa struggled to transition effectively.
Morgan Rogers: 5
Had a quiet game and failed to make an impact despite hoping to score for the fourth consecutive away match.
