Aston Villa fans are buzzing with excitement as Marcus Rashford has been named in the starting XI for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against Club Brugge. The match, set to kick off at 8:00 PM UTC (10:00 PM EAT), sees Villa holding a commanding 3-1 lead from the first leg in Belgium. With Rashford’s inclusion, Unai Emery’s side is poised to secure their spot in the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier club competition.
Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, has quickly become a key figure for Villa since his January move. His pace, flair, and technical ability have added a new dimension to the team’s attack. After featuring prominently in the first leg, where he showcased his dynamism despite not scoring, Rashford is expected to play a pivotal role at Villa Park. His return to the Champions League, a competition where he previously scored 12 goals in 33 appearances for United, marks a significant moment in his career resurgence.
Aston Villa enter the second leg with a two-goal advantage, thanks to a 3-1 victory in Bruges on March 4. Goals from Leon Bailey, an own goal by Brandon Mechele, and a late penalty from substitute Marco Asensio secured the win. However, Club Brugge, who previously defeated Villa 1-0 in the league phase, demonstrated their resilience by overturning a strong Atalanta side in the playoffs. Villa will need to remain vigilant, as the Belgian side will look to exploit any defensive lapses to stage an unlikely comeback.
Villa’s strong home record in the Champions League this season—unbeaten with victories over Bayern Munich, Bologna, and Juventus—gives them a significant edge. Meanwhile, Club Brugge have scored in 19 of their last 25 Champions League away matches, suggesting an open and attacking game could be on the cards.
Both teams have announced their starting XIs, with Rashford’s inclusion being a headline-grabbing decision for Villa.
The Aston Villa starting lineup features Emiliano MartÃnez in goal, with a back four of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, and Ian Maatsen. The midfield consists of Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans, and John McGinn, while the attacking trio includes Morgan Rogers, Marcus Rashford, and Ollie Watkins. On the bench, Villa have options such as Robin Olsen, Gauci Zych, Axel Disasi, Pau Torres, Lamare Bogarde, Lucas Digne, Amadou Onana, Leon Bailey, Marco Asensio, and Jacob Ramsey.
Club Brugge’s starting XI includes Simon Mignolet as goalkeeper, with a defensive line of Kyriani Sabbe, Joel Ordóñez, Brandon Mechele, and Maxim De Cuyper. In midfield, Raphael Onyedika and Ardon Jashari provide the foundation, while the attacking lineup features Chemsdine Talbi, Hans Vanaken, Christos Tzolis, and Ferran Jutglà . Substitutes are not fully detailed in available sources, but they are likely to include key squad players such as Hugo Vetlesen and Casper Nielsen.
▪︎ Aston Villa XI: MartÃnez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; Kamara, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Rashford; Ollie Watkins.
▪︎ Club Brugge XI: Mignolet; Sabbe, Ordóñez, Mechele, De Cuyper; Onyedika, Jashari; Talbi, Vanaken, Tzolis; Jutglà .
— Football Xtraâ„¢ (@FootballXtra0) March 12, 2025
For Aston Villa, Rashford is expected to operate on the left wing, with Morgan Rogers on the right and Ollie Watkins leading the line as the central striker. This attacking trio offers pace, creativity, and goal-scoring threat, which could exploit Club Brugge’s high-pressing style. John McGinn’s dynamism in midfield, alongside the composure of Tielemans and the defensive solidity of Kamara, provides a balanced platform for Villa’s forwards to thrive.
Tyrone Mings, who missed the FA Cup clash against Cardiff but has returned to the squad, anchors the defense alongside Ezri Konsa. Matty Cash, back from injury, and Ian Maatsen, a versatile full-back, complete a backline that will aim to neutralize Brugge’s attacking threats, including the dangerous Ferran Jutglà and teenage star Chemsdine Talbi.
Club Brugge, managed by Nicky Hayen, will rely on captain Hans Vanaken to orchestrate their play from midfield. Vanaken, set to make his 50th Champions League appearance, will look to link up with Jutglà , who has been in fine form with six goals in his last seven games across all competitions. Tzolis and Talbi will provide width and energy, aiming to stretch Villa’s defense and create opportunities.
One key matchup to watch is Rashford versus Sabbe. Rashford’s pace and dribbling ability will test Club Brugge’s young right-back Kyriani Sabbe. If Rashford can get the better of Sabbe, Villa could find joy down the left flank. Another critical battle is Watkins versus Mechele. Ollie Watkins, who scored the winner against Brentford at the weekend, will look to exploit Brandon Mechele, whose own goal in the first leg handed Villa an advantage. Watkins’ movement and finishing will be crucial. Finally, the midfield duel between Vanaken and Tielemans could dictate the tempo of the game. Tielemans’ ability to break lines under pressure will be tested by Vanaken’s experience and vision.
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+ in the UK, with live commentary also available on BBC Radio 5 Live Sport. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM UTC on March 12, 2025.