Aston Villa’s incredible journey in the Champions League continued as they celebrated Unai Emery’s second anniversary in charge by claiming a 2-0 victory against Bologna. Captain John McGinn opened the scoring with a brilliant free-kick, followed by Jhon Duran extending the lead with a close-range finish.
The Italian side was left frustrated, believing they should have been awarded a free-kick just before Villa’s opening goal. Despite their efforts, Bologna couldn’t find a way past Villa’s defense, resulting in their third consecutive clean sheet in the competition.
Villa’s impressive form in Europe has been a stark contrast to their struggles in the Premier League two years ago when Emery took over from Steven Gerrard. With nine points from three games, Villa now have their sights set on the knockout stage as they prepare to face tough opponents in Club Brugge, Juventus, RB Leipzig, Monaco, and Celtic.
The atmosphere at Villa Park was electric, with fans creating a memorable Champions League night for the players. The team responded with 16 attempts on goal, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity throughout the game.
As Villa’s quest for European glory continues, they remain focused on maintaining their unbeaten run and securing a top-eight finish to advance to the last-16. With the support of their passionate fans and Emery’s tactical acumen, Villa’s Champions League campaign promises to be one filled with excitement and anticipation.