Aston Villa edged out a thrilling five-goal encounter against Club Brugge at the start of their Champions League league phase campaign, coming away with a 3-2 victory despite a spirited fightback from the Belgian side.

The visitors made a strong start, taking an early lead through John McGinn in the 11th minute, with Pau Torres providing the assist.

Villa doubled their advantage shortly after when Nicolas Jackson found the net in the 22nd minute, again teed up by Torres, putting the English side firmly in control inside the opening half hour.

Brugge responded before the break, pulling one back through Hugo Vetlesen in the 19th minute with an assist from Jan Virgili, keeping the tie alive heading into the second period.

The match took a dramatic turn just after the hour mark when Joaquin Seys converted from the penalty spot in the 61st minute following a VAR review that flagged a foul committed by Aaron Wan-Bissaka inside the box, leveling the contest at 2-2 for Brugge.

However, Villa regained their composure and struck the decisive blow through Enzo Buendía, assisted by João Gomes, restoring their lead and ultimately securing all three points.

Statistically, Villa dominated proceedings, controlling 65 percent of possession and completing 88 percent of their passes compared to Brugge’s 83 percent.

The hosts, however, were more direct in front of goal, registering 21 total shots to Villa’s 14, including nine on target.

Both sides picked up three yellow cards apiece, with no red cards shown, in a physical but entertaining contest to open their European campaign.