Nicolas Jackson marked his Aston Villa debut in the UEFA Champions League with a goal as Unai Emery’s side secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Club Brugge in Belgium.
The win provided a major boost for Villa, who had struggled badly in front of goal during the opening weeks of their Premier League campaign.
After failing to score in their first three league matches, the English side produced a much-improved attacking performance to open their Champions League campaign with three goals.
Jackson, who arrived at Aston Villa in a club-record £65 million transfer, capped the impressive display with his first goal for the club.
Villa made a flying start when captain John McGinn fired a first-time effort into the bottom corner after a powerful run from Pau Torres created the opening.
Club Brugge responded through Hugo Vetlesen, who calmly placed a low shot beyond the Villa goalkeeper to restore parity.
The visitors quickly regained the advantage, with Emiliano Buendia finishing from close range after good build-up play involving Joao Gomes.
Villa continued to cause problems on the break and eventually added a third through Jackson.
The Senegalese forward raced onto a long pass from Torres, got to the ball ahead of goalkeeper Yann Sommer and calmly finished into an unguarded net to open his Aston Villa account.
Club Brugge reduced the deficit shortly after the hour mark when Nicolo Tresoldi converted from the penalty spot.
The penalty was awarded following a VAR review for handball against Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Villa were forced to withstand sustained pressure in the closing stages, but Emery’s team held firm to claim all three points.
The victory gives Aston Villa an ideal start to their Champions League campaign, while Jackson will hope his first goal can be the beginning of a productive spell in the famous claret and blue.
