The only previous encounter between these two clubs saw Club Brugge prevail 1-0 in November.
That aside, Brugge are winless in their last 15 meetings with English opposition, dating back to 1995; Villa have never won any of their three previous visits to Belgium.
Club Brugge vs Aston Villa Preview
Just 118 days after these two clubs met for the very first time, the duo go head-to-head again. Back in November, it was Club Brugge who prevailed in West Flanders. The only goal of the evening was a Hans Vanaken penalty, converted after Tyone Mings, inexplicably, picked the ball up in the box, quite literally handing the hosts victory. Will this one go the same way?
Despite defeat when they visited the Flemish Region in the winter, Aston Villa recovered to finish eighth in the league phase. They won five of eight fixtures, including collecting ten points out of a possible 12 at Villa Park, securing their spot in the round of 16 by beating Celtic 4-2 in January.
Meantime, it is a busy time for Unai Emery's team, battling through to the FA Cup quarter-finals on Friday night, with Marco Asensio's second half brace downing Cardiff City. The Villans' league form though is concerning, winning only one of their last seven, claiming victory during only one of their last nine on the road. Thus, while Villa's away form will be a worry, it'll count for very little come kick off at Jan Breydelstadion, so will they leave in a strong position?
As for Club Brugge, they were the lowest-ranked team to make it through the league phase, finishing 24th, above Dinamo Zagreb by virtue of goal difference only, their trio of victories coming over Sturm Graz, Sporting and, as mentioned, Villa. Then, in the knockouts, Nicky Hayen's side caused a major upset, dumping out reigning Europa League holders Atalanta.
The Blue-Blacks won the first leg 2-1 in Belgium, once again by virtue of a very controversial penalty, converted by Gustaf Nilsson in stoppage time. Despite being in front, Brugge traveled to Bergamo six nights later as underdogs. Nevertheless, against all odds, they also won in Northern Italy, silencing the home crowd with a 3-1 victory; Chemsdine Talbi on target twice, with Ferran Jutglà netting in-between, before Simon Mignolet saved a second half spot-kick. This proves Brugge cannot be taken lightly, reaching the Champions League round of 16 for the second time in three seasons, having not gone beyond this stage since 1978, when they were beaten finalists.
Domestically, the Blue-Blacks are through to the Coupe de Belgique Final, set to face Anderlecht in Brussels in May, but have lost two of their last four Jupiler Pro League matches, having been unbeaten in 15 beforehand. Saturday's 1-1 draw at Gent, in which a stoppage time equaliser denied them victory, leaves them second, nine points adrift leaders Genk, but Belgium's soon to be abolished peculiar format means they're certainly not out of the title race. Now, with a trip to the English Midlands to come, can Brugge establish a first leg advantage at Jan Breydelstadion?
Club Brugge vs Aston Villa Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 1.
- Club Brugge Wins: 1. Draws: 0. Aston Villa Wins: 0.
Club Brugge Team News
Key midfielder Raphael Onyedika, who scored at Man City in January, sat out Saturday's draw with Gent due to a muscular injury, and the Nigerian is a doubt here too, which would be a major blow. Meanwhile, Christos Tzolis also did not feature at the weekend, but he were merely rested.
If Onyedika is not good to go, Hugo Vetlesen is most-likely to deputise as part of the midfield trio. The aforementioned Onyedika, Tzolis and Vetlesen as well as Joaquin Seys and Michał Skóraś are all one booking away from a ban.
Club Brugge predicted lineup vs Aston Villa: (4-3-3): Mignolet; Seys, Mechele, Ordóñez, De Cuyper; Jashari, Vetlesen, Vanaken; Talbi, Tzolis, Jutglà.
Club Brugge Player to Watch vs Aston Villa
Chemsdine Talbi scored twice in Bergamo a fortnight ago, taking his tally to seven for the season, and the highly-rated teenager is set to be Brugge's most-likely goal-threat.
Aston Villa Team News
Games have been coming thick and fast for Villa but, due to limited options, Unai Emery hasn't been able to rotate much. Matty Cash, Pau Torres, Tyone Mings, Ross Barkley, Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara all sat out Friday's FA Cup victory. There is optimism that Cash will return while Kamara, having been an unused substitute against Cardiff, could feature for the first time since 15 February due to a hamstring injury.
Neither Andrés García nor Donyell Malen are in the UEFA squad, so can't feature, while Lucas Digne and Morgan Rogers will return to the lineup compared to Friday. Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio's respective excellent form will surely see them start. Digne and Kamara are one booking away from a ban.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Club Brugge: (4-3-3): Martínez; Cash, Bogarde, Konsa, Digne; Tielemans, McGinn, Asensio, Rogers, Rashford; Watkins.
Aston Villa Player to Watch vs Club Brugge
Ollie Watkins has 13 goals to his name this season, opening his Champions League account against Celtic last time out, so could he be Villa's hero in Belgium?
Club Brugge vs Aston Villa Prediction
We are backing Brugge to establish a narrow first leg advantage. The Belgians are strong at home, while Villa are poor on the road, hence why we're forecasting an away win: Club Brugge 2-1 Aston Villa.
Club Brugge vs Aston Villa FAQs - Champions League
How to watch Club Brugge vs Aston Villa Champions League game on TV channel?
Club Brugge vs Aston Villa Champions League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 1
- USA: Paramount+ & TUDN USA
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Club Brugge vs Aston Villa Champions League game on live streaming?
Club Brugge vs Aston Villa Champions League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery +
- USA: Paramount+, TUDN.com & ViX
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Club Brugge vs Aston Villa in the Champions League?
Club Brugge vs Aston Villa takes place on Tuesday 4 March 2025, with kick off at 17:45 (GMT), 12:45 (EDT) & 9:45 (PST).