Aston Villa is determined to secure their place in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals for the first time ever. They are hosting Club Brugge in England for the second leg of their round of 16 matchup.
Unai Emery’s team comes into this game with a strong 3-1 lead from the first leg, making them strong favorites to advance. Reaching the quarterfinals would be a historic achievement for Villa, marking their return to Europe’s elite club competition for the first time since the 1982-1983 season, when they also reached this stage. However, Club Brugge will be looking to overturn the two-goal deficit and reach their first quarterfinal since their journey to the 1977-1978 European Cup final.
Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, March 12
- Time: 4 p.m. ET
- Location: Villa Park — Birmingham, England
Storylines
Aston Villa’s current Champions League campaign, their first in forty years, has been remarkably successful. They’ve secured a spot in the top eight and benefited from a favorable draw in the round of 16. Their positive momentum continues with only one loss in their last seven games. This run includes a draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool and a victory over top-four contenders Chelsea. Ollie Watkins has maintained his excellent form, contributing three goals and two assists during this period. Villa’s winter signings have also made a significant impact, with Marco Ascensio scoring five goals and Marcus Rashford providing three assists in the same timeframe.
Projected lineup
Martinez, Disasi, Konsa, Mings, Digne, McGinn, Tielemans, Bailey, Rogers, Rashford, Watkins
Prediction
Aston Villa enters the second leg with a comfortable advantage, positioning them well to progress to the next round. Even with potential team rotations or tactical adjustments from Emery, the hosts are expected to secure another victory and convert their first-leg lead into a quarterfinal appearance. Pick: Aston Villa 1, Club Brugge 0
