Young Boys vs Aston Villa LIVE: Champions League result and reaction as dominant Villa triumph in Bern | OneFootball

(REUTERS)

Aston Villa made a glorious return to the European flight with a wonderful 3-0 victory against Young Boys in Switzerland.

Playing at the Stadion Wankdorf on an artificial pitch there were come concerns that Villa wouldn’t adapt to the conditions and for the opening 20 minutes the hosts were the better side. Unai Emery’s team did click though and took the lead from a fine set piece.

John McGinn received a short corner and swung a cross over to Youri Tielemans. He controlled it and drilled a low finish into the back of the net for Aston Villa’s first ever Champions League goal.

Two more followed, Jacob Ramsey making the most of a defensive mishap to add a second before Amadou Onana added a third late in the game. It could have been even better for the visitors as Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran, brought into the match as a substitute, both had goals disallowed.

It was a perfect night for the midlands club and they’ll now be determined to reach the knockout rounds.

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Disallowed goals and an artificial pitch, but Aston Villa start Champions League campaign in style

Aston Villa paid the perfect tribute to former striker Gary Shaw as they enjoyed a dream Champions League debut with a 3-0 win at Young Boys.

Villa’s return to the top table of European football was overshadowed by Monday’s death of Shaw, a golden boy of the club’s past success at this level when he helped them to European Cup glory in 1982.

Boss Unai Emery told his current crop before the game to win it for Shaw and they listened as they began life in the modernised competition in style thanks to goals from Youri Tielemans, Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana.

It was the ideal start to the revamped 32-team league format, where the top 24 sides have a chance to progress, but perhaps their real introduction to the Champions League will come when they host Bayern Munich in a fortnight.

Sonia Twigg17 September 2024 20:09

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Young Boys 0-2 Aston Villa

83 mins: Well inside the final 10 minutes now and the home fans are voicing their displeasure. It’s been a tough start to the season for them with no wins in the Swiss league and their team heading for a loss here as well.

Mike Jones17 September 2024 19:31

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NO GOAL! Young Boys 0-3 Aston Villa

80 mins: As expected Jhon Duran’s goal is ruled out because of Amadou Onana’s handball in the build up. It took VAR a while to come to decision and the move went through several passes before Duran scored.

Another harsh decision going against Villa.

Mike Jones17 September 2024 19:28

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GOAL! Young Boys 0-3 Aston Villa (Jhon Duran, 78 mins)

That’s a glorious goal!

Amadou Onana controls the ball with his hand in the middle of the pitch before working the ball up to Jhon Duran. He whips the ball out to Jacob Ramsey who strides forward and carries the ball up to the side of the penalty area.

He passes it back to Duran who sidefoots his shot wide of the post and curls it back into the net!

Mike Jones17 September 2024 19:26

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Young Boys 0-2 Aston Villa

74 mins: There’s a bit of momentum building up for Young Boys here. If they score things will start to become very awkward for Villa.

Martinez clings on to another shot with this one bobbling up off the turf.

Mike Jones17 September 2024 19:22

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Young Boys 0-2 Aston Villa

71 mins: Save!

Emi Martinez is called into action after a poor pass from Diego Carlos. He passes it straight to Silver Ganvoula who checks to the right and pings a shot towards goal.

Martinez leaps to the left and gets two strong hands to the ball palming it away!

Mike Jones17 September 2024 19:19

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Young Boys 0-2 Aston Villa

69 mins: Jacob Ramsey takes a knock and needs a bit of treatment before striding off to the side of the pitch. He seems to be fine though and will come back on.

Over in the dugout, Ollie Watkins is pictured with an ice pack on his ankle. He doesn’t look too concerned about it though.

Mike Jones17 September 2024 19:18