Champions League Triumph & Ballon d'Or Nod for Villa!

Aston Villa kicked off their Champions League journey with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Club Brugge, as first-half goals from John McGinn, Emi Buendia, and Nicolas Jackson secured a crucial away win. Adding to the day's excitement, manager Unai Emery was nominated for the Ballon d’Or Men’s Coach of the Year, alongside Johan Manzambi for Young Talent of the Year.

• Unai Emery and Johan Manzambi were officially nominated for the Ballon d’Or Men’s Coach of the Year and Young Talent of the Year awards, respectively.
• Aston Villa secured their first win of the season with a 3-2 victory against Club Brugge in their UEFA Champions League group stage opener.
• John McGinn, Emi Buendia, and Nicolas Jackson all scored in a dominant first-half performance, with McGinn becoming Villa's leading European goalscorer.
• Aaron Wan-Bissaka made his debut start, and academy product George Hemmings made his fourth successive start for the senior team.
• Matty Cash was absent from the squad due to muscle discomfort, while the UEFA Youth League side experienced a 5-3 defeat.