Aston Villa player ratings vs Club Brugge - Marco Asensio and Leon Bailey inspire vital victory

Aston Villa will take a two-goal advantage back to Villa Park following a dramatic 3-1 victory over Club Brugge at Jan Breydel Stadium in the first leg of the Champions League last 16.

Brandon Mechele’s own goal and a clinical penalty from Marco Asensio were enough to seal a huge win for the Villans in Belgium after Leon Bailey’s early opener was cancelled out by a fine strike from Maxim De Cuyper.

Villa arguably deserved to lose on the night as Brugge had the better share of possession and the more clear-cut opportunities but Unai Emery won’t be complaining as his men now have a huge upper-hand for the second leg next Wednesday.

Bailey’s goal was a stunner as Youri Tielemans’ free-kick was headed back into the danger zone by Tyrone Mings and Villa’s number 31 met the ball on the bounce, directing into the near bottom corner with immense power. The travelling Villa Park faithful went ballistic, jubilant as Bailey netted his first-ever Champions League goal.

But just as Villa were growing in confidence, Brugge equalised through left-back De Cuyper. Axel Disasi played Christos Tzolis onside and the winger laid the ball back to De Cuyper, who directed the ball supebrly into the far bottom corner. Bailey let De Cuyper run beyond him in what proved to be a costly error.

Brugge had a huge opportunity on the half-hour mark as teenager Chemsdine Talbi profited from Mings’ failed headed clearance, taking the ball down and striking hard and low, but Emi Martinez reacted brilliantly to make a crucial diving stop. The hosts were zipping the ball around approaching half time with Ardon Jashari the midfield orchestrator. Villa were really struggling to deal with the pressure, forced into a low block to halt crosses into the box.

Villa couldn’t get a foothold in the game at the start of the second half as Brugge carried over their momentum. Emery was growing increasingly frustrated on the touchline as his players failed to win enough duels, so often beaten to the ball by the hosts. This infuriation was clear as Emery turned to the bench to make four changes in an attempt to revive his team’s attacking fortunes.

Three of the substitutes combined shortly after coming on as Jacob Ramsey cut the ball back to Marco Asensio, who forced a strong hand from Mignolet. Matty Cash was then quickest to react on the follow-up but skewed his effort over the crossbar. Brugge had a far better chance down the other end, though, as Hans Vanaken’s header from a Tzolis cross was somehow cleared off the line in an exceptional last-ditch intervention from Mings.

It appeared the spoils were going to be shared but Morgan Rogers had other ideas as the attacking midfielder - moved to the right to allow Asensio to move into the 10 position - drilled in a low cross and it was converted into his own net by Mechele. Rogers’ delivery was aimed for Ollie Watkins but Mechele - attempting to block at the near post - sliced the ball into the corner, leaving Mignolet powerless.

Brugge, who still felt they had a chance going into next week with a one-goal deficit, saw their hard work all undone as Tzolis gave away a penalty with a clumsy challenge on Cash. Asensio made no mistake from the spot as he slotted so far into the bottom left corner that Mignolet, who had guessed the right way, couldn’t reach the ball.

Villa certainly didn’t deserve to win by two goals but will be delighted to have secured a memorable first-ever victory in Belgium, 43 years on from their 0-0 draw at Anderlecht in the semi-final of the European Cup.

Aston Villa ratings vs Club Brugge (A)

Without further ado, here’s how BirminghamWorld reporter Charlie Haffenden rated the players out of 10.

Emiliano Martinez - 7

Will be disappointed not to have kept a clean sheet but it was a clinical finish from De Cuyper. Made a huge save to deny Talbi in the 30th minute and another decent stop to halt a powerful hit from Onyedika early in the second half.

Axel Disasi - 6 (off 64’)

Did an average job on his Champions League debut as he had a mixed game one-on-one with Tzolis, playing the winger onside for De Cuyper’s goal but managing to tackle him once.

Ezri Konsa - 6

Didn’t put much of a foot wrong in the first half as he anticipated well to mop up a few loose passes but allowed Tzolis in behind twice in the second period.

Tyrone Mings - 8*

Made an outstanding goalline clearance to deny Vanaken, somehow changing his body shape to flick the ball away from the corner. Assisted Bailey’s goal with a great leap and header back into the danger zone, too. Did fail to head away a cross, however, leading to a good chance for Talbi.

Lucas Digne - 7

Swung in some great crosses to Watkins and won his fair share of tackles to keep Talbi at bay for most of the game.

John McGinn - 6 (off 64’)

Broke up the play effectively but was very quiet in a creative sense.

Youri Tielemans - 7

Swung in the free-kick ahead of Bailey’s goal, a superb delivery. Won the second most tackles on the pitch but couldn’t help Villa dominate possession at any stage.

Leon Bailey - 7 (off 64’)

Opened the scoring in beautiful fashion, clinically firing into the corner. Let De Cuyper run past him before the Belgian’s goal, however.

Marcus Rashford - 6 (off 64’)

Saw a shot saved in the first half after some great work down the left. Hardly involved otherwise.

Morgan Rogers - 7

Met his match with Onyedika in the first half as he was unable to dribble past the Brugge midfielder. Got the last laugh in the second 45, however, as he assisted Mechele’s own goal with a superb cross.

Ollie Watkins - 6 (off 90+1’)

Kept the two central defenders occupied but was unable to make his usual mark in the final third.

Matty Cash - 6 (on 64’)

Missed a good chance at close range, shooting high and wide. Otherwise not too involved on the right.

Boubacar Kamara - 7 (on 64’)

Helped Villa re-establish control in the tie late on as he used his physicality effectively to win possession and charge forward.

Jacob Ramsey - 7 (on 64’)

Created a great opportunity for Asensio and linked up well with Digne on the left.

Marco Asensio - 8 (on 64’)

Had a shot saved quickly after coming on, making a great run into the box. Then secured the victory with a perfect penalty into the bottom left.

Lamare Bogarde - N/A (off 90+1’)

Came on for a late cameo to waste time.