Aston Villa tops Champions League after beating Bologna

John McGinn says Aston Villa’s Champions League ambitions are limitless after beating Bologna 2-0 to top the table in a fantastic homecoming.

Villa last played in the Champions League in 1983, but Unai Emery has transformed them into a sleeping giant as they became the only team to win three Champions League games. On a rare Colombian start, Jhon Duran continued his spectacular scoring streak as McGinn’s free-kick sailed past everyone into the far corner to open the scoring in the second half.

“We’re not done. We’re in a good situation “McGinn joined the team in 2018 when they were in the second division of English football.

“We are building great things.

This is my house. My seventh season here has had ups and downs. A rollercoaster. Maybe we can keep climbing. However, Bologna has only one point from their first three games and one win in 11 games in all competitions this season.

Last season, the Rossoblu finished fifth in Serie A to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 60 years. After losing star players Riccardo Calafiori and Joshua Zirkzee to Arsenal and Manchester United, and coach Thiago Motta to Juventus, they have struggled.

Emery said before the game he hopes to “break barriers” at a club without a title since 1996. The Spaniard won comfortably despite four substitutions, demonstrating his depth.

“We are playing focussed, responsible and the team is progressing and maturing in everything,” he remarked.

Duran got his first Premier League or Champions League start after scoring five times as a substitute this season. McGinn and England international Ezri Konsa returned from injury, and Ian Maatsen replaced him at left-back for £35 million ($46 million).

French international Boubacar Kamara returned from a catastrophic knee injury as a late substitute, and club captain Tyrone Mings returned to the bench after an ACL injury in August 2023. Villa’s set-piece strength has helped Emery lead the team from relegation to beating Europe’s best in two years.

McGinn’s inviting cross found the bottom corner to break the deadlock 10 minutes into the second half without a touch from the pack. A precise near-post strike from Morgan Rogers’ cross gave Duran the points nine minutes later.

The explosive striker then struck the bench in fury after being substituted by Ollie Watkins. However, Villa had another spectacular night in their rapid climb since Emery came in Birmingham.

Nine points may be enough to qualify for the playoffs with five games left. Only the lowest 12 in the 36-team standings will be eliminated, but Villa is now targeting a top-eight finish and automatic qualification for the last 16.