The Champions League competition continues with the first matches of the Round of 16, and in Belgium, we will witness another clash between Club Brugge and Aston Villa.The “Jan Breydel” Stadium does not bring back pleasant memories for the Birmingham club’s fans, as on November 6, during the group stage, Unai Emery’s team suffered a 1-0 defeat there.However, Aston Villa has strengthened since then, signing Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford during the winter break, forming a promising attacking duo. So far, the on-loan Manchester United player has been providing assists, while Asensio has been scoring, raising hopes that they can continue this form in UEFA’s elite competition.Champions League knockout football 🤩IT’S MATCHDAY, VILLANS 👊 pic.twitter.com/DNXHV2Fno8— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) March 4, 2025 Unai Emery is no stranger to European football; he knows very well what awaits his team in the knockout stage, where even the smallest mistake can be costly. With vast European experience and four UEFA trophies (three with Sevilla and one with Villarreal), he will now try to guide his team on the right path in the Champions League, where his best finish so far was a semifinal with Villarreal in 2022. That is why he is trying to ease the tension, as the crucial moments of the season approach.”It’s all about keeping emotions under control. This match is crucial for our season in this competition. We have to play responsibly, maturely, and with emotional strength,” Emery said. In recent weeks, he has thoroughly analyzed the Belgian team’s game, especially what went wrong in their autumn clash in Brugge. Back then, the Belgian side secured victory with a penalty, conceded by Tyrone Mings.”I am focusing on each match” 🗣️Unai Emery on Aston Villa’s Champions League chances. pic.twitter.com/iq1PvtTs8S— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 3, 2025 “When we played here in the autumn, I wasn’t satisfied. The players know that very well; we analyzed the details of why we weren’t as competitive as we truly can be. Now, we know Club Brugge much better. We will try to stop them collectively, in their game plan, but also individually. Then, we’ll try to maximize our own structure and game plan. Playing good football is the next natural step; we have to be highly motivated, exciting, but maintain that emotional balance,” Emery added.The Aston Villa coach has not been too secretive about the squad he will field against the Belgian side.”Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley are not ready. Andres Garcia and Donyell Malen are not on the squad list, but everyone else is available. Pau Torres is with us, Tyrone Mings is returning after missing Friday’s game, as well as Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara, who might get some minutes,” Spanish coach concludedI came to play CL! No you won‘t…His counterpart on the Club Brugge bench, Nicky Hayen, is aware that the visitors are now stronger than they were in November.”We don’t have a specific plan to stop Rashford and Asensio. We won’t focus on just one player because they have much more than just Rashford and Asensio; their quality is everywhere. They had good results even before those two arrived, so nothing really changes. I just think they are even better now, making them stronger than before. They have intensity and bring a lot of quality in attack,” Hayen warned.■ Feared coaching career might be over■ Rebuilt reputation in the Welsh Premier League■ Talks to his late mum before gamesNicky Hayen never imagined he would manage at Champions League level but he has revived Club Brugge and tonight they face Aston Villa.📝 @stujames75— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) March 4, 2025 The Club Brugge coach will only be missing one player—Raphael Onyedika.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – ROUND OF 16First legTuesday 20.45: (2.85) Club Brugge (3.25) Aston Villa (2.55)23.00: (1.80) Dortmund (3.60) Lille (4.60)23.00: (3.80) PSV (3.45) Arsenal (2.00)23.00: (1.87) Real Madrid (3.50) Atl.Madrid (4.20)Wednesday 20.45: (5.60) Feyenoord (3.70) Inter (1.65)23.00: (1.82) Bayern (3.60) Leverkusen (4.40)23.00: (3.80) Benfica (3.60) Barcelona (1.95)23.00: (2.45) PSG (3.45) Liverpool (2.80)***odds are subject to change***
