Aston Villa are back into the Champions League for the first time in over 40 years, and the team really couldn't be in better form. The current 2024/25 campaign is already full of epic moments, and a further 2-0 win over Bologna on Tuesday night sealed the English side as the only one with a 100% record so far, with three wins in three games. More than keeping their unbeaten streak alive, Villa have been solid both up and back, notching three straight clean sheets in the process.
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McGinn and Jhon Durán: The Stars of the Night
The first was through John McGinn, the captain of Aston Villa, who proved to be an important figure once more in the Villa midfield. Just nine minutes into the second half, a McGinn free kick sailed past the Bologna defense and goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski to give Villa the lead. This was a big relief for the packed Villa Park, eager for another stellar performance by their team.
But that was not all, because just nine minutes later, the Colombian forward Jhon Durán sealed a brace with a clinical finish from another sumptuous cross supplied by Morgan Rogers. On his first start in the Champions League, Durán proved he's ready for big moments. Game by game, confidence is growing for the forward, who is shaping up to be a key player for Unai Emery's squad.
Solid Defense and the Brilliance of Emi Martínez
While Villa's attack was decisive, words should not be left unspoken about the backline. Villa have not conceded a single goal in their three games so far, and the goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has been a very important part of that. Just seven minutes into the first half, Martínez made a vital save on a shot from Bologna's Thijs Dallinga as he tried to drive the visitors ahead.
This solidity in Villa's defense is no accident. Coach Unai Emery has made adjustments with preciseness and effectiveness to let the team stay organized under high pressure. Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa have been the base of the rear guard, making Martínez's task easier, yet always rising to the occasion.
More experience was brought into the midfield, especially when Boubacar Kamara came back as a second-half substitute, showing indeed that Villa has the depth required to see their season out at this high level.
Total Control and Constant Pressure
Villa dominated possession right from the beginning of the match, keeping Bologna in a rather defensive position throughout. Much of the first half saw Villa try to break down the resistance of their opponents, probing their backline without relenting. Skorupski pulled off some amazing saves, mainly from a header by Durán off a corner by Youri Tielemans. But then finally, all that pressure paid off when McGinn's goal was followed with Durán's cool finish.
A sight to behold was the intensity at which Villa played. They didn't ease into the game, even after the second goal went in, continuing to fashion chances. Rogers twice nearly got on the score sheet. This hunger for victory has defined Emery's style throughout this European campaign.
Champions League Return: Glorious New Chapter
With Aston Villa back in the Champions League, a new chapter in the history of the club begins. They are not contented with being back; they want to stand their ground among the top teams in Europe. Against this backdrop, Villa, on three successive victories, currently happens to be the only team in this Champions League edition with a perfect record-just the third team since 1992/93 to start with three straight clean sheets.
This places Villa among the best European clubs and shows they are not in the Champions League just to participate. With such an immense campaign so far, expectations over Emery's team keep going up and up. Backed by a passionate fanbase that fills Villa Park for every game, Villa looks to have the support and momentum needed to continue their impressive journey in the competition.