Pat Nevin blown away by ‘sensational’ Leon Bailey in Aston Villa win v Club Brugge | OneFootball

Aston Villa have taken a big step towards reaching the last eight of the Champions League after they defeated Club Brugge 3-1 in the Round of 16 first leg, away from home on Tuesday night.

Two goals in the final ten minutes have given Villa the edge in this tie, and from here on, they should be able to see off the challenge from Brugge in the second leg at Villa Park next week unless there’s a dramatic collapse.

It was Villa’s first knockout tie in European football’s premier competition since the 1982-83 quarter-finals, and they are looking well set to reach the final eight.

The visitors took the lead after a lightning start, thanks to Leon Bailey.

The lead didn’t last long, as Maxim de Cuyper levelled with with a low finish with his left foot. The home side created a few good chances, with captain Hans Vanaken going agonisingly close to make it 2-1 in the 69th minute.

Christos Tzolis also wasted another big opportunity to put them ahead.

Villa responded with two late goals. Brandon Mechele scored an unfortunate own goal after intercepting a cross by Morgan Rogers. In the closing minutes, Matty Cash was fouled in the box, and from the resulting penalty, Marco Asensio scored.

Pat Nevin was full of praise for Bailey, and described his goal as “sensational”.

He said: “The game has started in slow motion and the goal was scored in slow motion.

“The ball was played to the back post and Tyrone Mings nods it back and the defenders were stationary. The control from Leon Bailey is sensational and it was a lovely little side foot finish. Dream start for Villa.”

The 27-year-old winger produced a terrific volley within three minutes following a headed assist by Tyrone Mings.

The former Genk player was brilliant throughout the game and looked a constant threat from the right-hand side.

It was also a special moment for Mings. The defender gave away a needless penalty when the two sides met in the group phase game in November, and Unai Emery will be really pleased with that effort from his defender.