Stats: Brugge 1-0 Villa, UCL Round of 16 Loss
Aston Villa's Champions League journey came to a disappointing end on Tuesday, as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Club Brugge in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie. Despite a valiant effort, Unai Emery's side couldn't find the back of the net and ultimately paid the price for a lack of clinical finishing.
Here's a breakdown of the key stats from the match:
Possession:
- Brugge: 52.4%
- Aston Villa: 47.6%
Brugge enjoyed a slight advantage in possession, but Villa were able to control the tempo for stretches of the game.
Shots:
- Brugge: 15
- Aston Villa: 12
Both teams created a decent number of chances, but only one goal was scored.
Shots on Target:
- Brugge: 5
- Aston Villa: 4
Brugge proved more accurate in their shooting, which ultimately proved decisive.
Key Passes:
- Brugge: 14
- Aston Villa: 10
Both teams played some excellent football, with both sides creating good scoring opportunities.
Crosses:
- Brugge: 17
- Aston Villa: 15
Both teams tried to attack down the flanks, but neither side could get the better of the other in this area.
Tackles:
- Brugge: 22
- Aston Villa: 20
The game was fiercely contested, with both teams putting in a strong defensive performance.
Aerials Won:
- Brugge: 15
- Aston Villa: 13
Both teams had a good aerial presence, with neither side dominant in this area.
Dribbles:
- Brugge: 10
- Aston Villa: 12
Villa were slightly more effective in dribbling the ball past their opponents, but Brugge were able to control the tempo for large portions of the game.
Overall, Aston Villa put in a valiant performance, but ultimately, they couldn't overcome a resolute Club Brugge defense. The lack of clinical finishing was a major factor in their defeat, and they will need to learn from this experience if they are to challenge for major honours in the future.
Looking ahead, Villa will be looking to bounce back in the Premier League. They remain in contention for a top-four finish, and they will be looking to carry the momentum from their strong Champions League campaign into the remainder of the season.
While the disappointment of the defeat will linger, this experience will undoubtedly be valuable for Villa's young squad, and they will be hoping to return to the Champions League stage in the near future.