On Tuesday, "Aston Villa" defeated "Bologna" with a score of 2:0 thanks to goals from John McGinn and John Duran in the second half, extending their unbeaten winning streak to three matches in their first participation in the Champions League in 41 years. After this victory, "Aston Villa" temporarily topped the tournament table of this prestigious club tournament with nine points and without conceded goals.
"Bologna" had already struggled against "Aston Villa" in the first half, threatening only in rare moments. Already at the start of the tournament, there was a possibility for Daisey, who connected to a pass from Dan Ndoye to score, but Villa's Emily Martinez blocked his attempt. Overall, "Villa", occupying fourth place in the Premier League, dictated their conditions throughout the match, missing only a few chances in the first half.
"We play seriously, concentrated, responsively, and the team progresses and evolves in all aspects," said Emery.
McGinn nearly scored from a long distance, but Shkurupski held his shot back, as Morgan Rogers' strike just before halftime flew past the post.
Closer to the second goal, "Aston Villa" played almost the entire remaining period. After a series of attempts, McGinn scored on the 55th minute from a free kick, phasing it past the wall into the far corner.
After a VAR check for a possible handball, Captain Villa's goal remained valid.
The Villa team will head into the next stage of the league's new 36-team format, where all 18 teams automatically qualify for the playoffs.
Duran, who led his team to victory over Bavaria three weeks ago, extended the advantage on the 64th minute when Morgan Rogers sent a pass to the 'keeper, and on a sliding strike, striker John Liusum put it in the bottom corner.
Immediately after Duran's goal, he was substituted for Ollie Watkins, and when the columbian team stepped onto the field, 'underdog' was written on his face.
"Some players returned, and now we have power," said Emery. "He did a great job, and the last minutes - for Watkins and the continuation of the movement."
"We are building a wonderful team here," commented McGinn. "We don't want to stop here."
