Aston Villa are favourites to qualify to the Champions League quarter-finals after scoring two late goals to defeat Club Brugge 3-1in Belgium.
Leon Bailey produced a beautiful half-volley after just two minutes and 15 seconds, following a headed assist by Tyrone Mings.
But Villa’s lead lasted just 10 minutes, with Maxim de Cuyper levelling with a low finish, soon after Marcus Rashford had been denied by former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet at the other end.
However, Villa scored two goals in six minutes to take a handsome lead back to Birmingham
Brandon Mechele netted against his own goalkeeper in the 82nd-minute, to put Villa ahead and then substitute Marco Asensio increased the scoreline to 3-1 from the penalty spot after Matty Cash was fouled.
The second leg holds at Villa Park on Wednesday, 12 March.
