Emery: We took a big step forward

FixturesClub Brugge Vs. Aston Villa - Tue, Sep 08 2026, 18:45Unai Emery was pleased with Aston Villa’s work as they picked up a victory on Matchday One in the UEFA Champions League. His team clicked into gear offensively to score three times to edge a five-goal thriller in Belgium. It was a mature performance that supporters have been accustomed to seeing from Villa in Europe. Emery said: "We always prepare to win and adapt to [the opponents], trying to impose our positioning and win duels. We had a fantastic first half. “We had so many chances to get more of an advantage. The second half was a bit more equal. “When we were 2-0 ahead the confidence was very good, but Brugge scored and we could feel a little bit less confidence than we had in the first half. But we finished well, controlling the game like we planned." “Playing away in Europe is very difficult," he added. "They were working with the supporters, who were very excited. They wanted to win. We have a lot of experience playing matches like that, sometimes winning, sometimes losing. This is the balance we try to speak about before the match – to be aware and ready for everything."Villa can now take confidence as they return to Premier League action on Saturday, with the team facing Nottingham Forest on home turf. "We took one step forward today and it was very, very important for our confidence and stability," Emery said. “All the players were giving to the team: John McGinn, Emiliano Buendía, Pau [Torres], Victor Lindelöf, and the young players as well like [George] Hemmings, who is new and progressively getting better and understanding everything we demand. “So are Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Ian Maatsen, Boubacar Kamara. We must try to reach our highest standard, like we have in recent years with the new players understanding the way."