Villans suffer first Champions League defeat

Aston Villa suffered their first loss in the Champions League at the hands of Club Brugge.

The Belgian side needed the points on the night and got the job done thanks to a Hans Vanaken penalty in the second half.

It was a bizarre moment from Tyrone Mings, who picked the ball up in the penalty box, leaving the referee no choice but to award a spot-kick.

There was little action to report on in the first half, with Villa content to sit in and defend for the majority.

But the goal sparked them into life and they pushed hard for an equaliser after Brugge’s 52nd-minute goal.

However, Unai Emery’s men were beaten in the end, marking another loss after their defeat to Tottenham last weekend.

Read on to see how the match unfolded in Brugge.

Full-time. pic.twitter.com/SUg8nZMfnQ

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) November 6, 2024

How it happened

The Belgian side showed promise in the opening minutes, with winger Christos Tzolis making a dangerous run down the left and delivering a low cross that narrowly missed its target.

The game’s first clear opportunity came when Jutgla struck the post following a fine save from Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Tzolis attempted to follow up but was denied again by Martinez, who would remain Villa’s most active player.

Villa’s sluggishness continued as they managed only one shot on target in the first half.

McGinn’s long-range strike provided some relief for Villa fans, but it was comfortably saved by Simon Mignolet.

In the 51st minute, a rookie error from Villa’s Tyrone Mings led to a penalty for Club Brugge.

In a moment of confusion, Mings handled the ball inside his own box after Martinez tapped a goal kick his way, leading the referee to immediately point to the spot.

Penalty to Club Brugge.

🔵 0-0 ⚪️ [51’] #CLUAVL

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) November 6, 2024

Club Brugge captain Hans Vanaken seized the opportunity and fired a composed shot past Martinez to give the Belgian side a 1-0 lead.

Following the goal, Villa attempted to inject some energy with substitutions.

Manager Unai Emery introduced fresh legs, bringing on Jhon Duran for McGinn and Emiliano Buendia for Ollie Watkins.

Kamara’s shot from the edge of the box in the 86th minute represented Villa’s best attempt of the second half, yet it narrowly slipped past the post.

With the clock winding down, Villa grew increasingly desperate but couldn’t create clear chances.

Villa’s lacklustre display will surely leave Emery concerned, especially as they’ve now suffered consecutive defeats.

Despite holding more possession, Villa failed to break through a resolute Brugge defence and finished with only one shot on target.