Emery promises to turn Bruges' lessons into an asset for Villa

Aston Villa, coached by Unai Emery, is preparing for its first Champions League match, scheduled for Tuesday at 18:45 on the pitch of Club Brugge. The manager said on Monday that the squad wants to turn the lessons learned from previous duels into a decisive advantage. Published on 07-09-2026, the Belgian Agency's statement highlights the importance of this test.

Preparation for the first Champions League match

The meeting will take place at Jan Breydel Stadium, home of FC Brugge, as part of the Jupiler Pro League. Emery reminded that the English club will face an opponent that already tested its team two years ago. The match falls within a busy schedule, with the Premier League already underway.

Memories of the encounter two years ago in Brugge

“A new important test awaits us here tomorrow,” Emery said at the press conference. He recalled the 1-0 defeat suffered in the group stage and the 1-3 victory in the round of 16 against the same Club. “It’s a team largely different from the one we faced at the time,” he added.

Emery also said: “We are eager to start this new campaign.” He added that the Champions League is “the most beautiful competition in Europe” and that expectations have risen in recent years. “We have a good mix of newcomers and experienced players,” he specified.

The manager expressed his respect for Club Brugge, while emphasizing the focus of his squad. “It is therefore difficult to compare, but we are extremely focused,” he affirmed. He recalled that the lessons learned from the defeat two years ago will be used to their advantage tomorrow.

In the domestic league, the Spanish manager is experiencing a delicate start to the season in the Premier League with a reshuffled squad. Recent performances show that confidence still needs to be consolidated before tackling European confrontations.

The Licensors have shared the full text, inviting supporters to follow the statements and share their impressions. The DH relayed the remarks, highlighting the determination displayed by Emery and his team. A new chapter opens for Aston Villa, which hopes to be competitive in every match.