Champions League, Europa, Conference League 2024-2025

[Ed H in Pasadena]

Brugge looking far more competitive than I expected

 

[Ed H in Pasadena]

Two goals for Villa in the last ten minutes helps them put away Club Brugge 3-1

 

[jeffbear]

It wasn't pretty, but it never is in Brugge.

 

[VinatieriDefinesClutch]

Never thought a 3-1 win in the knockout rounds of the Champions league would leave me so unexcited especially with how excited I started the match, but here we are! I feel like a broken record, but my goodness, Digne should not be out there if Rashford is our left wing. Rashford was just sitting in the area that Digne likes to sit and Digne was just like, where do I go? and proceeded to be completely invisible all match. There was a giant area to attack between their defense and midfield, but Digne doesn't ever come inside, so it remained unattacked.

 

[Ed H in Pasadena]

The remainder of the first leg ties

 

[Ed H in Pasadena]

Honestly watching that match yesterday, it was the first time this year I thought "we're facing a better team". Not City, not Arsenal, not Real Madrid but definitely PSG. But Alisson proved why we think he's the best keeper around, and we took the only chance we had.
What an insane match.

 

[Ed H in Pasadena]

 

[Ed H in Pasadena]

 

[jeffbear]

Villa cleaned up that second leg against Brugge, who made it easier by going down to ten men pretty early on. 3-0 today and 6-1 on aggregate, with the goals coming in the 2nd half after Asensio was subbed on. That sets them up for a matchup with ... ugh ... PSG, who took out Liverpool in PKs yesterday. Old boys matchup for Emery and Asensio. Dortmund and Arsenal also advanced today and Atletico/Real Madrid has moved to extra time.

For Villa, ka-ching ... another 2 matches of UCL cash is a huge for them, no matter the outcome.