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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Ben Fisher at Villa Park

UNCOVERED: Asensio s double breaks 10 man brugge as aston villa bulldoze into last eight | History Defined

Villa Marco Asensio Brugge Aston Villa Unai Emery Ian Maatsen Marcus Rashford UEFA Champions League Leon Bailey Morgan Rogers
Marco Asensio celebrates after scoring his second goal of the game
Marco Asensio celebrates after scoring his second goal of the game. Photograph: Jacob King/PA

When Unai Emery accepted the challenge of reviving Aston Villa at a time when the club was fretting about relegation to the Championship, he voiced his desire to return to European competition.

It was punchy, part of a grand plan and, for supporters, a particularly exciting soundbite, but back then the prospect of a Champions League quarter-final date with Paris Saint‑Germain, one of Emery’s former clubs, felt fanciful. The Villa manager has delivered unequivocally on his wish. The Champions League furniture – the oversized badges, the giant tifos and 3D signage – will get at least another outing this season.

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