Aston Villa ended their recent scoring struggles with a 3-2 victory over Club Brugge in their opening UEFA Champions League league-phase fixture on Tuesday.
Villa arrived in Belgium without a goal in their opening three Premier League matches of the season, but they quickly put those concerns behind them with an impressive attacking display.
John McGinn gave Unai Emery’s side the lead before Club Brugge responded through Hugo Vetlesen.
Villa regained their advantage through Emiliano Buendía before Nicolas Jackson extended the visitors’ lead before half-time, giving Villa a 3-1 advantage at the break.
Club Brugge came out strongly after the restart and pulled a goal back through Nicolò Tresoldi from the penalty spot after Villa were penalised for handball.
The hosts continued to push for an equaliser and created pressure in the closing stages, but Villa’s defence held firm to secure all three points.
The victory will come as a major boost for Emery’s side after their difficult start to the domestic campaign and gives them a positive beginning to their Champions League campaign.
For Jackson, the match was particularly significant as he opened his Villa account following his summer move to the club.
Villa will now look to build on the result as they continue their domestic campaign before returning to Champions League action later in the competition.
