Aston Villa opened their Champions League campaign with a convincing 4-2 victory in Bruges, marking the club’s first goals of the season in the competition. John McGinn gave Villa an early lead in the 11th minute, though Hugo Vetlesen quickly equalized for the home side.

Unai Emery’s team responded strongly, with Emi Buendia and Nicolas Jackson putting Villa ahead 3-1 by halftime. Jackson’s goal marked his first for the club, a moment the striker described as significant, expressing happiness about joining the squad and optimism for future contributions.

In the second half, Nicolo Tresoldi converted a penalty in the 61st minute, further extending Villa’s advantage. Although Bruges managed to add a second goal, they were unable to mount a sustained comeback against Emery’s side.

The result represented a promising start for Aston Villa in the group stage of Europe’s premier club competition, demonstrating the team’s attacking potential and resilience on foreign soil.