With goals from John McGinn and Jhon Duran in the second half, Aston Villa defeated Bologna 2-0 on Tuesday, extending their winning streak to three games in their first Champions League campaign in 41 years.
With 9 points and no conceded, Villa’s victory has sent them provisionally to the top of Europe’s finest club league. Bologna has 1 point from a tie and 2 losses.
John McGinn’s Praise for Aston Villa Progress
What we’re building here is incredible, McGinn remarked. Three games in, 3 wins, and most importantly for us, no goals conceded. We don’t want to end right here. It puts us in a favourable situation. Some players returned, and we now appear quite powerful.
Unai Emery’s team enjoyed a flurry of chances before McGinn struck in the 55th minute, blasting a free kick over a sea of heads and into the far corner. After a VAR review for potential handball, Villa’s captain’s goal stood.
Duran Extends Villa’s Lead
Duran, whose late-game heroics helped them defeat Bayern Munich three weeks ago, doubled the advantage in the 64th minute when Morgan Rogers hoisted a cross into the area and the lunging attacker held off defender Jhon Lucumi to tip the ball into the bottom corner.
Soon after the goal, Duran was replaced by Ollie Watkins, who stomped to the bench with a furious expression on his face.
According to Emery, Duran thought he could score more goals, therefore he wanted more after scoring the first, which was amazing. He worked so well, and the last touches are for Watkins. Keep up the wonderful work.
Bologna Brief Threat
Bologna, with only one win in all competitions this season (a Serie A victory at Monza last month), threatened only briefly in the first half.
They had an early chance through Thijs Dallinga, who latched onto a through pass from Dan Ndoye, but Villa custodian Emi Martinez dove to deflect his shot away.
Villa Dominance and Missed Chances
Villa, who are fourth in the Premier League, dominated the remainder of the game, despite missing many first-half opportunities.
McGinn nearly scored from long range, but Bologna goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski saved it, while Morgan Rogers’ drive from distance right before halftime went wide.
Jacob Ramsey Near Miss
At the last second, Villa’s Jacob Ramsey came close to scoring a third goal but was stopped in a one-on-one.
We’re playing with seriousness, responsibility, and focus, and the team is growing and maturing in every way, Emery stated.
Upcoming Challenge: Club Brugge
Villa will next face Club Brugge in the new 36-team league phase, with the top eight advancing automatically to the round of 16.
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