A disastrous error by Tyrone Mings handed Aston Villa their first Champions League defeat as they fell 1-0 to Club Brugge. The center-back, making his debut start in the competition, unwittingly picked up a short goal-kick from Emiliano Martinez, unaware that German referee Tobias Stieler had already restarted play. This lapse proved costly, as Brugge’s captain, Hans Vanaken, calmly converted the ensuing 52nd-minute penalty to secure victory for the Belgian champions, putting an end to Villa’s impressive three-game winning streak in the tournament.
The incident underscored a harsh decision against Mings, especially when compared to a similar situation involving Arsenal’s Gabriel in last season’s Champions League quarterfinals. In that instance, Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg declined to award a penalty, labeling it a “kid’s mistake” unworthy of punishment. However, Stieler had no such leniency for Mings, who was left frustrated by the strict ruling.
The blunder overshadowed what was otherwise a subdued performance from Unai Emery’s side, who have now suffered defeats in their last three games across all competitions. Villa entered the match with hopes of becoming the first team to win their opening four Champions League games without conceding, but they managed only a single shot on target. Strikers Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran struggled to make an impact, barely troubling Brugge’s defense.
Despite this setback, Villa remains in a solid position to qualify directly for the last 16, with three matches left in the league phase. Their brightest moment came early on in the 21st minute when John McGinn set up Watkins, who cut inside but narrowly missed the target. Moments later, McGinn saw his header sail over the bar from a Boubacar Kamara cross, as Villa tried to find their rhythm.
However, Brugge soon took control, creating a series of clear chances. Ferran Jutgla struck the post with a powerful first-time shot, and Christos Tzolis forced Martinez into a stretched save. Mings then briefly redeemed himself, clearing a goal-bound flick from Casper Nielsen off the line, only for his costly error to follow minutes later.
After Vanaken’s penalty put Brugge in the lead, the Belgian champions, managed by former Haverfordwest boss Nicky Hayen, continued to press for a second goal, with Skov Olsen firing just over the bar. Villa, set to face Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend, struggled to mount a meaningful response. Kamara’s wayward shot in the final minutes was their only chance, as Brugge held firm to claim their first victory over an English club.
