On a thrilling evening at Villa Park, Aston Villa secured a definitive 2-0 victory against Bologna, further solidifying their lead in the revamped Champions League. As John McGinn scored the opening goal, an unexpected glitch displayed a nonexistent 3-0 scoreline on the stadium’s scoreboards, momentarily allowing fans to dream of a fantasy. But the reality is that under Unai Emery’s leadership, Villa is the only team to maintain a perfect record, amassing nine points and achieving three clean sheets in their first three matches.
McGinn’s first goal came directly from a free-kick, while Jhon Durán, who was given a rare start, quickly followed up with a second, marking his seventh goal of the season. However, not all players were in high spirits; after being substituted for Ollie Watkins, Durán expressed his frustration by hitting the padded seat in the home dugout. Manager Unai Emery addressed this, stating, “No, no, I am managing everything. Sometimes players react a bit but it is under my control.”
This minor disruption did not overshadow an otherwise successful night. The return of Boubacar Kamara, who had been sidelined since February due to a severe knee injury, was a highlight. Although Bologna’s Sam Beukema hit the woodwork late in the game, Villa’s dominance was never questioned after McGinn’s early strike.
Looking ahead, Villa might only need six more points from their remaining five matches to automatically qualify for the knockout stage. Emery noted his satisfaction with the team’s performance, saying, “I am delighted with how we are taking on this competition. Of course, we have had a brilliant start. We are being consistent, getting points and feeling comfortable.”
The atmosphere was electric, marked by a stunning display of pyrotechnics before the match, setting the stage for a special occasion against a storied opponent like Bayern Munich.
Other notable match results included Juventus suffering a dramatic 1-0 defeat to Stuttgart, where a red card and a missed penalty contributed to their loss. Paris Saint-Germain managed a 1-1 draw with PSV Eindhoven, and Milan claimed a 3-1 victory against 10-man Club Brugge.
Amid this backdrop, Durán’s journey to the Champions League stage, reminiscent of his childhood days of playing in the streets of Medellín, embodied his development as a player. He had previously impressed as a substitute, including a memorable game-winning goal against Bayern. His second start of the season, alongside the return of former captain Tyrone Mings, made for a night filled with excitement for the Villa fans.
As the match progressed, both teams created opportunities, but it was McGinn’s 55th-minute free-kick that sealed the game. Durán’s effort shortly after showcased his skill, and Emery’s delight was evident as he praised his players’ contributions, underscoring the team’s determination and resilience.
