Aston Villa continued their impressive form in the 2024/25 Champions League with a solid 2-0 win over Bologna at Villa Park. This victory marked their third consecutive win in the group stage, keeping them top of the standings and maintaining their unbeaten record in this European campaign.
First Half: Bologna’s Early Threat
The match began with high intensity as both teams traded attacks. Bologna, backed by a vocal traveling support, almost took the lead early on when Thijs Dallinga forced a strong save from Emiliano Martínez. Villa, however, quickly found their rhythm and began to control the game. Both John McGinn and Jhon Duran tested Bologna goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, but neither side could break the deadlock before halftime.
Second Half: Villa Take Charge
Villa came out with renewed energy in the second half, and it wasn’t long before they took the lead. Captain John McGinn opened the scoring in the 55th minute with a well-placed free-kick that curled into the net, catching Bologna’s defence and their goalkeeper off guard. It was a much-needed breakthrough for Villa, who had been frustrated by Bologna’s defensive efforts in the first half.
Nine minutes later, Villa doubled their lead. Jhon Duran, making his first Champions League start, scored his seventh goal of the season with a sharp finish at the near post. Duran’s goal capped off a strong performance, but he was visibly frustrated when substituted shortly after his celebration. Unai Emery later addressed the incident, stating that the young striker’s passion was under control and that respect and maturity are key values within the squad.
Villa’s Depth and Control
The game also highlighted Villa’s growing depth under Emery. Ross Barkley came on at halftime and provided a boost in midfield, while Boubacar Kamara made a welcome return after a long injury layoff. Emery’s ability to rotate his squad effectively was crucial in maintaining Villa’s strong performances across multiple competitions.
With this victory, Villa remained perfect in their group and extended their unbeaten run in the Champions League, putting them in a commanding position to advance to the knockout stages.
Conclusion
Aston Villa’s 2-0 win over Bologna showcased their growing strength in Europe, with standout performances from McGinn and Duran. Emery’s side now look forward to building on this momentum as they aim for further success in the Champions League. Their squad depth, tactical discipline, and attacking prowess have been key factors in their European journey so far.
