Aston Villa end scoring drought with thrilling Champions League win

The Europa League winners had managed just one shot on target across their first three league outings, but in Belgium they produced a masterclass in counter-attacking football that relieved the early-season pressure on Unai Emery's squad.

John McGinn opened the scoring with a trademark first-time finish after Pau Torres' driving run, before Club Brugge equalised through Hugo Vetlesen. Emiliano Buendia restored Villa's advantage within minutes, then Nicolas Jackson added a third by beating goalkeeper Yann Sommer to a long ball forward—his first goal since arriving in a club-record £65m transfer (according to Sky Sports).

Nicolo Tresoldi's penalty following Aaron Wan-Bissaka's handball pulled one back for the hosts, but Villa held firm despite sustained pressure.

The efficiency was striking: possessing just 35 per cent of the ball, Villa unleashed 21 shots with nine on target. Their intensity on the break repeatedly exposed Brugge's expansive approach, with Jackson's running in behind, Buendia's creativity and McGinn's ball-retention proving a potent mix.

The bigger test lies ahead. Premier League defences will offer less space and freedom than Brugge provided. If Emery can translate this ruthless approach into the domestic campaign, Villa could have turned a corner at exactly the right moment.