Emery: We Remember That Brugge Defeated Atalanta in Bergamo

Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery has urged the club’s supporters to hold off on quarter-final plans just yet, despite a commanding 3-1 first-leg victory over Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. The win in Belgium puts Villa in a strong position, but Emery remains cautious.

“As expected, we faced certain challenges tonight. We respected our opponent and had to adapt to their style more than I would have liked. But after our analysis—especially after the game we played here in November—it became clear that Brugge is not an easy team to play against.”

“The most important thing was how we competed. How we fought, especially in set-piece situations like the first goal. How we defended—even deeper at times than I would have preferred. There were moments when we really needed our goalkeeper.”

“The players reacted brilliantly in the final 30 minutes when fatigue started setting in. Fresh legs, maintaining the game plan, staying composed under pressure—that was key. Of course, at times, we had to dig in, but we scored twice in the last 10 minutes.”

“That said, there are still 90 minutes to play. We know Brugge’s level—they beat Atalanta 3-1. The priority now is to review this match with the players and prepare for any difficulties we may face in the return leg. I’m pleased with the result, but we cannot lose focus—there’s still 90 minutes of football left.”

- Can we say that you’re already one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals?
- No, I don’t think so. In football, every game presents challenges, and everything can change in 90 minutes. I know that. The players understand it too. I’m sure they have already experienced matches and tournaments like this before. We must always respect our opponent, respect the tournament itself, and appreciate the moment we are in.

Tonight, at the 75th minute, we were still in a battle. We could have been fighting for a draw. We could have been losing. That’s football. And of course, in football, you have to compete and fight to achieve results. We did that.

I always accept everything that happens on the pitch. My job is to analyze, always respect the opponent, work on correcting mistakes, and improve both the team’s performance and individual displays in the next match compared to today’s.

- You made four substitutions at the 64th minute...
- Yes, I wanted to bring fresh legs onto the pitch while maintaining the same game plan we had been executing. I wanted to introduce these four players based on their abilities and energy, to give the team an extra physical boost. And I’m very pleased with their response. This is one of the most important aspects of managing a team—having players who must be ready to play 90 minutes, 80 minutes, or even just 30 minutes. Today, they handled it excellently.

- Tomorrow, PSG plays against Liverpool. You previously coached the Parisians. Do you think they have become stronger?
- I coached them for two years, but football is constantly evolving. Tomorrow, they have a huge game against Liverpool, a clash between two outstanding teams. I don’t know who the favorite is in this matchup—I’m fully focused on our next game.