The first Champions League trip for Aston Villa continues. After a 3-1 first leg victory, the club from the Premier League also won the second leg against FC Bruges 3-0 (0-0) and is in the quarter-finals, where Paris St. Germain will be the opponent.
Even before the kick-off there was a fireworks in Villa Park-and there was a lot of indication that this was already the overture for the celebrations on the occasion of the move to the quarter-finals at the host’s Champions League premiere. Aston Villa had won the first leg in Bruges 3-1, although the course of the game would also have given a result in the other direction. Nevertheless, the signs were clear before the second 90 minutes.
Referee Siebert has to show Brügges sabbe red
They became even clearer in the 16th minute. Emiliano Martinez sent Marcus Rashford on the journey with a long ball that Kyriani sabbe ended by raning the newcomer of Manchester United as the last man shortly before the penalty area – the German referee Daniel Siebert had no choice but to show Brügges full -back the red card.
Simon Mignolet was able to parry the following free kick from Youri Tielemans (19th), but the Belgians were now in duty to at least equalize the two-goal deficit in the next 70 minutes. And Bruges tried it, was still brave – but not punched. Villa effortlessly defended her own goal, but refrained from going out offensive.
Asensio shoots warm for his actually employer PSG
Tyrone Mings had the second opportunity for the hosts immediately after the half -time break, but Mignolet also defended his shot (49.). Brügges goalkeeper was beaten for a few seconds, as in the first leg Marco Asensio struck (50th). It was the sixth goal of the newcomer from Paris St. Germain in its eighth use for the “villans”.
Asensio thus ensured a bit more certainty that he will meet the club in the quarterfinals, from which he is loaned to Birmingham by the end of the season – PSG is the next opponent. If there were still any doubts, the former BVB professional Ian Maatsen, who scored 2-0 (57.). Shortly afterwards, Asensio also laced the double pack and increased again (62nd). In the last half hour, Villa then ended the game and caused a fireworks atmosphere by moving into the quarter-finals.