AdminIan Maatsen endured a difficult night as Aston Villa finally got their Champions League campaign off to a winning start with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Club Brugge.
Villa produced a superb first-half display, racing into a 3-1 lead through John McGinn, Emiliano Buendía and Nicolas Jackson.
However, Maatsen was one of the players who struggled to reach the same level, with the left-back picking up an early booking after reacting angrily to a throw-in decision.
The yellow card came after just nine minutes, leaving Maatsen walking a tightrope for the majority of the match.
Club Brugge also looked capable of causing Villa problems down the flanks, putting additional pressure on the visitors’ defence.
Despite the difficult moments, Villa managed to hold on for a crucial victory. Club Brugge pulled another goal back through Nicolò Tresoldi’s second-half penalty after Aaron Wan-Bissaka was penalised for handball.
Unai Emery will certainly be delighted with the result, particularly after Villa’s difficult start to the season, but the performance also highlighted areas that still need improvement.
Maatsen will now be under pressure to respond quickly. Villa have finally found their winning touch, but Emery will expect every player to maintain the required level when the Champions League pressure increases.
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