The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 kicks off this week, with three Premier League clubs still in contention for European glory. Aston Villa, Arsenal, and Liverpool successfully navigated the newly introduced league stage to secure their spots, each with their own ambitions and challenges ahead. Meanwhile, Manchester City were the only English side to miss out, falling to Real Madrid in the playoff stage.
Here's what the Premier League's representatives have in store this week.
Aston Villa Face Familiar Foes in Club Brugge
Aston Villa, playing in their first-ever UEFA Champions League, will be delighted with how things have gone for them among Europe’s elite. They were one of the eight teams that qualified directly for the Round of 16. There were some memorable wins along the way, none more satisfying than their victory over European powerhouse Bayern Munich at Villa Park in October.
Unai Emery’s side also registered big wins over RB Leipzig and Swiss club Young Boys. Their Round of 16 opponents, Club Brugge, defeated Atalanta in the playoffs to book their spot. Interestingly, both teams faced each other in the league stage, with the Belgian side winning 1-0 at home. That remains the only previous meeting between the two sides.
With the return leg at Villa Park, Aston Villa will have the advantage of home support and the clarity of knowing exactly what they need to do to advance. Club Brugge currently sit second in their domestic league, while Aston Villa are 10th in the Premier League. The Clarets have also progressed to the FA Cup quarter-finals.