League: Champions League Sport: Soccer Country: Global Category: Breaking News

John McGinn scores early as Aston Villa plays at Club Brugge

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 5:30 PM

Last updated Sep 8, 2026

John McGinn scores early as Aston Villa plays at Club Brugge

Summary

Aston Villa captain John McGinn scored the opening goal of the Champions League season 11 minutes into Tuesday's match against Club Brugge. The early strike preceded a quick equalizer from Hugo Vetlesen in the 19th minute, followed by a goal from Emi Buendia that restored the lead for Aston Villa. The match in Bruges is part of the first round of 189 scheduled games in the competition. This season follows a 2025-26 campaign that recorded the highest goals-per-game rate in the 34-year history of the Champions League. While the match remains in progress, the high scoring pace seen in the previous season appeared to carry over into the opening minutes of this encounter.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•John McGinn scored in the 11th minute to open the Champions League season
•Hugo Vetlesen equalized for Club Brugge in the 19th minute
•Emi Buendia added a goal to give Aston Villa a 2-1 lead during the first half
•Last season featured a goals-per-game rate of 3.47 across the tournament

Latest Updates

5:30 PMYahoo Sports — Champions League scoring started early by Villa's McGinn after record rate of goals last season

What they're saying

"
The first goal of the Champions League season was scored by Aston Villa captain John McGinn entering the 11th minute at Club Brugge on Tuesday. It was a quick start after last season's edition had the highest goals-per-game rate in the 34-year Champions League era.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Aston Villa Champions League Soccer