Aston Villa player ratings vs Club Brugge: Redemption for Tyrone Mings – miracle clearance highlights strong defensive display as Morgan Rogers and Leon Bailey provide attacking spark in huge Champions League win
The England international came up trumps in defence while Unai Emery's forward line put them in control of their last-16 tie
Aston Villa took a giant leap towards the Champions League quarter-finals with a 3-1 win over Club Brugge in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Tuesday.
Villa made a flying start when Leon Bailey beautifully swept home a half-volley from 12 yards in the third minute, and Marcus Rashford wasn't far away from making it 2-0 when his shot from a tight angle was just about handled by ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
But the visitors' advantage didn't last long, as Maxim De Cuyper guided a well-placed shot into the corner nine minutes later. The hosts were the better team for the rest of the first half, and had it not been for a smart stop from Emi Martinez, Brugge would have gone in at half-time with a deserved lead.
After the break, substitute Marco Asensio stung the hands of Mignolet shortly after coming on before Tyrone Mings pulled off a miraculous goalline clearance to deny Hans Vanaken. Christos Tzolis then wasted a glorious chance, and Brugge were made to pay for their profligacy as Brandon Mechele turned a delightful Morgan Rogers cross into his own net in the 82nd minute.
Nicky Hayen's side self-imploded once more when Tzolis clumsily fouled substitute Matty Cash in the box and Asensio dispatched the resulting spot-kick two minutes from time, meaning Unai Emery's team head to Villa Park with a two-goal cushion heading into the second leg.
GOAL rates Aston Villa's players from Jan Breydel Stadium…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Emiliano Martinez (7/10):
Pulled off a first-rate save to keep the scores level at a crucial time. Dependable as ever overall.
Axel Disasi (7/10):
Maybe wasn't tight enough to Tzolis, who set up Brugge's equaliser, but he didn't dive into tackles in the box and stood his ground well.
Ezri Konsa (7/10):
Formed a good partnership at the back with Mings as his covering work was on full display.
Tyrone Mings (8/10):
Got up well to win a header that led to Villa's opener and pulled off one of the best goal-line clearances you will ever see. After conceding a comical penalty against Brugge in the group stage, the big defender put in an impressive display back at the same ground.
Lucas Digne (6/10):
Did more defending than attacking on the night, with the Frenchman under the cosh for long periods.
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Youri Tielemans (6/10):
The Belgian seemed to be crowded out by Jashari and Onyedika in the centre of the park, but still battled hard.
John McGinn (5/10):
The game passed the Scotland talisman by as he was outgunned by the opposing midfield.
Morgan Rogers (8/10):
Made some good piercing runs into the final third and then produced an excellent teasing cross for Villa's second.
AFPAttack
Marcus Rashford (6/10):
Showed flashes of his quality but didn't make too much of an impact.
Ollie Watkins (6/10):
The England international was hard-working as ever, but he didn't have many opportunities in attack.
Leon Bailey (7/10):
Ensured Villa got off to a dream start with an excellent first-time finish, but his failure to track back arguably cost his team their lead.
AFPSubs & Manager
Matty Cash (7/10):
Got caught out in defence soon after coming on, but won his side a crucial late penalty.
Marco Asensio (7/10):
Had a positive impact off the bench and took his penalty with aplomb.
Jacob Ramsey (6/10):
Provided good energy when he was introduced.
Boubacar Kamara (6/10):
Added some extra defensive solidity when called upon.
Lamare Bogarde (N/A):
Too little time to make an impact.
Unai Emery (8/10):
His side started like a house on fire but struggled for nearly an hour of the contest. Was proactive by making four changes at once when things weren't working, and they really paid off.
