Youri Tielemans stunning, Ollie Watkins dire: Aston Villa ratings v Club Brugge
Aston Villa took a 3-1 lead in the first-leg of their Champions League tie against Club Brugge on the back of a brilliant Youri Tielemans performance.
Leon Bailey opened the scoring for the Villains in the third minute, hitting a fabulous volley from a cushioned header by Tyrone Mings.
Brugge levelled in the 12 minute through Maxim De Cuyper, as Bailey let the fullback run into the box unmarked, and he was picked out by former Norwich City man, Christos Tzolis.
Villa took the lead again in the 82nd minute, as a wonderful first-time cross from Morgan Rogers forced Brandon Mechele to put the ball into his own net.
The English side then made it 3-1, after Matty Cash won a penalty off the bench, that was coolly converted by Marco Asensio.
Unai Emery watches Aston Villa take charge of tie vs Club Brugge
Emi Martinez – 7
Great save on the half-hour mark from a shot from Chemsdine Talbi to keep the score at 1-1.
Axel Disasi (off for Cash 63′) – 7
Disasi joined Aston Villa on loan in January, looked comfortable at right-back, justifying Unai Emery’s decision to leave Andres Garcia out of the Champions League squad.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Calm defensive display, but looked in danger of being caught out at times by the pacey Brugge forwards.
Tyrone Mings puts in assured defensive display
Tyrone Mings – 7
His cushioned header allowed Bailey to score a fantastic strike in the third minute before an incredible goal-line intervention late on.
Lucas Digne – 7
Strong defensively whilst being an effective outlet on the left-hand side.
John McGinn (off for Kamara 63′) – 5
Was taken off after failing to get a grip on the game.
Youri Tielemans – 9 – Player-of-the-Match
A commanding presence in the heart of midfield, even in spite of the hostile reception from the home fans for his Anderlecht connections.
Leon Bailey (off for Ramsey 63′) – 7
Fantastic volley for the opener, but was at fault for Brugge’s equaliser.
Morgan Rogers – 7
After a quiet game, Rogers whipped in an early cross that forced Mechele into scoring an own goal past former Liverpool keeper, Simon Mignolet.
Marcus Rashford has quiet night in Belgium for Aston Villa
Marcus Rashford (off for Asensio 63′) – 6
Aston Villa are in a race with Barcelona to sign Rashford permanently, the winger struggled to make his mark on the game after some good recent performances.
Ollie Watkins (off for Bogarde 90′) – 4
The England international has struggled in Europe this season, only scoring once in nine matches after tonight.
Substitutes
Marco Asensio (on for Rashford 63′) – 7
Aston Villa are keen on keeping Asensio permanently, replaced Rashford and scored from the penalty spot in the 87th minute.
Jacob Ramsey (on for Bailey 63′) – 5
The winger has had his minutes cut after Rashford’s arrival in January, and did not do enough off the bench to justify become a starter again.
Matty Cash (on for Disasi 63′) – 7
Won a penalty after Tzolis made a baffling tackle, his offensive output changed the game for Villa.
Boubacar Kamara (on for McGinn 63′) – 6
Came on and allowed Tielemans more licence to be an offensive creator.
Lamare Bogarde (on for Watkins 90′) – 6
Brought on to maintain 3-1 lead in the late stages.