Aston Villa 2-0 Bologna - Jhon Duran scores again The Villans remain perfect in UEFA Champions League - Eurosport

Aston Villa maintained their flawless beginning in Europe's top tournament by defeating Bologna 2-0, thanks to goals from their returning captain John McGinn and rising star Jhon Duran from Colombia.

The victory propels Villa to the top of the UEFA Champions League standings, making them the only team with a perfect score after three matches.

Although the home team showcased some impressive moves and consistently applied pressure, the first half concluded without any goals. Duran, McGinn, and Morgan Rogers all had decent opportunities but were turned away by Lukasz Skorupski. As a result, the Italian team felt more content as they headed into halftime.

Villa struck first shortly after the second half began when McGinn sent a threatening free kick into the area from the side. The ball eluded all players and ended up in the goal.

Shortly afterward, the home team increased their advantage when Duran scored another goal in the Champions League, skillfully finishing off a cross from Rogers.

Villa is set to take on Club Brugge in the Champions League, confident that they’ve already earned nine points. Meanwhile, Bologna will welcome Monaco, struggling with only one point and no goals scored in their first three matches.

Villa's Impressive Start Keeps Rolling On

Villa couldn't have hoped for a better start to their Champions League campaign this season. They've secured all nine points in their first three matches and haven’t allowed any goals against them. It's been an incredible comeback for Unai Emery's team on this prestigious platform.

With just one more major opponent left for Juventus, it prompts us to wonder how high Aston Villa can actually rise in the standings, and to what extent they can pursue this incredible journey in the revamped Champions League.

Match MVP: Morgan Rogers

While Duran might grab the attention, Rogers was truly the key player behind Villa's success tonight. His aggressive, forward runs created significant trouble for the Bologna defense, leading to many chances for his teammates.

His perfectly delivered cross set Duran up for Villa's second goal, and if his finishing had been slightly more precise, he could have scored a goal or two for himself.

Aston Villa: Martinez received a score of 7, Konsa got a 6, Carlos also earned a 7, while Torres was rated 6. Maatsen was given a 7, Onana received a 6, Tielemans scored a 7, and McGinn was rated 7 as well. Rogers stood out with an 8, but Bailey received a lower score of 5, and Duran earned a 7. As for the substitutes: Barkley was rated 6, Ramsey also got a 6, Philogene-Bidace scored a 5, Watkins earned a 6, and Kamara was given a 5.

Bologna: Skorupski received a rating of 7, Posch got a 5, Beukema a 5, Lucumi a 5, Lykogiannis a 6, Fabbian a 6, Freuler a 6, Urbanski a 5, Orsolini a 4, Dallinga a 4, and Ndoye a 6. The substitutes were rated as follows: Odgaard 5, Castro 5, Moro 6, and Iling-Junior 5.

55’ - GOAL! – ASTON VILLA 1-0 BOLOGNA (MCGINN) – Aston Villa takes the lead, and it's their captain who delivers! McGinn sends in a threatening free kick from the side, the ball slips past all the players and finds its way into the goal.

64’ - GOAL! – ASTON VILLA 2-0 BOLOGNA (DURAN) - Aston Villa extends their lead to two goals, and it's none other than Jhon Duran who scores again! Morgan Rogers seizes a long pass from Diego Carlos, delivers a perfectly placed ball into the penalty area, and Duran finishes with precision, making it 2-0!

Catch the live broadcasts of the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League on TNT Sports and discovery+.