Aston Villa finally rediscovered their attacking spark, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory over Club Brugge in Belgium to open their Champions League campaign in style.
The Europa League holders had failed to score in their opening three Premier League games, managing just one shot on target. But their attack came alive as John McGinn, Emiliano Buendia and Nicolas Jackson all found the net.
McGinn opened the scoring with a composed first-time finish after a powerful run from Pau Torres. Brugge quickly levelled through Hugo Vetlesen, but Buendia restored Villa’s lead three minutes later from close range.
Jackson then extended Villa’s advantage after racing onto Torres’ long pass, rounding Yann Sommer and finishing into an empty net for his first goal since completing his club-record £65 million transfer.
Nicolo Tresoldi reduced the deficit from the penalty spot after Aaron Wan-Bissaka was penalised for handball, but Villa survived late pressure to claim a thrilling victory.