The England international came up trumps in defence while Unai Emery's forward line put them in control of their last-16 tie
Aston Villa took a giant leap towards the Champions League quarter-finals with a 3-1 win over Club Brugge in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Tuesday.
Villa made a flying start when Leon Bailey beautifully swept home a half-volley from 12 yards in the third minute, and Marcus Rashford wasn't far away from making it 2-0 when his shot from a tight angle was just about handled by ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
But the visitors' advantage didn't last long, as Maxim De Cuyper guided a well-placed shot into the corner nine minutes later. The hosts were the better team for the rest of the first half, and had it not been for a smart stop from Emi Martinez, Brugge would have gone in at half-time with a deserved lead.
After the break, substitute Marco Asensio stung the hands of Mignolet shortly after coming on before Tyrone Mings pulled off a miraculous goalline clearance to deny Hans Vanaken. Christos Tzolis then wasted a glorious chance, and Brugge were made to pay for their profligacy as Brandon Mechele turned a delightful Morgan Rogers cross into his own net in the 82nd minute.
Nicky Hayen's side self-imploded once more when Tzolis clumsily fouled substitute Matty Cash in the box and Asensio dispatched the resulting spot-kick two minutes from time, meaning Unai Emery's team head to Villa Park with a two-goal cushion heading into the second leg.
GOAL rates Aston Villa's players from Jan Breydel Stadium…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Emiliano Martinez (7/10):
Pulled off a first-rate save to keep the scores level at a crucial time. Dependable as ever overall.
Axel Disasi (7/10):
Maybe wasn't tight enough to Tzolis, who set up Brugge's equaliser, but he didn't dive into tackles in the box and stood his ground well.
Ezri Konsa (7/10):
Formed a good partnership at the back with Mings as his covering work was on full display.
Tyrone Mings (8/10):
Got up well to win a header that led to Villa's opener and pulled off one of the best goal-line clearances you will ever see. After conceding a comical penalty against Brugge in the group stage, the big defender put in an impressive display back at the same ground.
Lucas Digne (6/10):
Did more defending than attacking on the night, with the Frenchman under the cosh for long periods.
AdvertisementAFPMidfield
Youri Tielemans (6/10):
The Belgian seemed to be crowded out by Jashari and Onyedika in the centre of the park, but still battled hard.
John McGinn (5/10):
The game passed the Scotland talisman by as he was outgunned by the opposing midfield.
Morgan Rogers (8/10):
Made some good piercing runs into the final third and then produced an excellent teasing cross for Villa's second.
AFPAttack
Marcus Rashford (6/10):
Showed flashes of his quality but didn't make too much of an impact.
Ollie Watkins (6/10):
The England international was hard-working as ever, but he didn't have many opportunities in attack.
Leon Bailey (7/10):
Ensured Villa got off to a dream start with an excellent first-time finish, but his failure to track back arguably cost his team their lead.
AFPSubs & Manager
Matty Cash (7/10):
Got caught out in defence soon after coming on, but won his side a crucial late penalty.
Marco Asensio (7/10):
Had a positive impact off the bench and took his penalty with aplomb.
Jacob Ramsey (6/10):
Provided good energy when he was introduced.
Boubacar Kamara (6/10):
Added some extra defensive solidity when called upon.
Lamare Bogarde (N/A):
Too little time to make an impact.
Unai Emery (8/10):
His side started like a house on fire but struggled for nearly an hour of the contest. Was proactive by making four changes at once when things weren't working, and they really paid off.
