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The ambitious return of Premier League club Aston Villa to the Champions League saw them claim a 2-0 victory over Bologna, propelling them to the top of the table. John McGinn expressed the team’s limitless ambitions after the match, highlighting their remarkable journey back to Europe’s elite competition.
Villa last graced the Champions League in 1983, but under Unai Emery’s management, they have emerged as a formidable force, becoming the only team to achieve three wins from three matches in the tournament so far.
McGinn’s stunning free-kick found the far corner to break the deadlock early in the second half, followed by a goal from Jhon Duran, who capitalised on a rare starting opportunity to maintain his impressive scoring form.
Conversely, Bologna’s struggles continue, as they sit with just one point from their first three games and only one win in their last 11 matches across all competitions. Last season, they enjoyed a remarkable campaign, finishing fifth in Serie A and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in 60 years. However, the departure of key players like Riccardo Calafiori and Joshua Zirkzee to Premier League clubs and the exit of coach Thiago Motta to Juventus has hampered their progress.
Duran, who has scored five times as a substitute this season, received his first start in either the Premier League or Champions League. Returning from injury, McGinn and England international Ezri Konsa were crucial to Villa’s success, while £35 million signing Ian Maatsen made his mark at left-back. French international Boubacar Kamara returned from a serious knee injury as a late substitute, and club captain Tyrone Mings made his first appearance on the bench since suffering an ACL injury in August 2023.
Villa’s proficiency from set-pieces has been instrumental in their transformation from relegation battlers to challengers against Europe’s best. McGinn’s precise delivery broke the deadlock ten minutes into the second half, finding the bottom corner without any touch from the crowded box. Nine minutes later, Duran sealed the win with a sharp near-post finish from Morgan Rogers’ cross.
The Colombian striker showed his frustration at being substituted for Ollie Watkins shortly after his goal, but this did not overshadow another memorable night for Villa in their remarkable ascent since Emery took charge in Birmingham.
With nine points already in the bag, Villa looks well on track to secure a playoff position with five games remaining. Only the bottom 12 teams in the 36-team table will face elimination, but Villa’s sights are now set on achieving a top-eight finish for automatic qualification to the last 16.
