Aston Villa kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 3-2 win at Club Brugge. Captain John McGinn scored the opener in the 11th minute, curling a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Yann Sommer to become Villa's all-time leading scorer in UEFA competitions, surpassing Ollie Watkins' record. This came after three league games without a goal.

Brugge equalized in the 19th minute through Hugo Vetlesen's low shot, but Villa regained control before halftime. Emiliano Buendía finished from close range, and Nicolas Jackson added a third in the 43rd minute, tapping into an empty net after Sommer misplayed a long ball. Jackson, who joined from Chelsea to replace Watkins, scored his first goal for the club.

In the second half, Club Brugge pushed for a comeback and were awarded a penalty, which Nicolo Tresoldi converted in the 61st minute to make it 3-2. Despite late pressure, Villa held on to secure all three points in the league phase. The result gives Unai Emery's side a strong start in Europe, while Brugge will look to bounce back in their next fixture.