Hibs hero makes history in Champions League after five-goal thriller paves path to exclusive club
Aston Villa captain made history in their Champions League opener
Hibs icon John McGinn has further etched his name into the Aston Villa history books as he becomes their all-time leading scorer in UEFA competitions.
The Scotland international bagged the opener in their 3-2 victory over Belgian champions Club Brugge on Tuesday night. His trademark left-footed finish at the Jan Breydel Stadion marked his 12th goal for the club on the European stage. On the all-time list he surpassed iconic Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who left for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in the summer transfer window.
McGinn captained the Villans to Europa League glory last season in what was his first major honour since lifting the Scottish Cup with Hibs in 2016. As he continues to outdo himself under manager Unai Emery, Tuesday night’s trip to Belgium also marked the midfielder’s first ever Man of the Match award in Europe’s most prestigious competition.
Tale of the tape
For the second season in a row, it’s been a slow start for Villa domestically as they’re yet to find the target in any of their first three Premier League games - but an early goal from McGinn calmed the nerves in this one. Playing off the right, the Scotsman received the ball from teammate Pau Torres just inside the box before slotting it into the bottom left corner.
Villa’s lead was short-lived, as Brugge instantly responded through their number 10 Hugo Vetlesen. However the visitors managed to regain the advantage before half time through Emi Buendia and Nicolas Jackson. After the break, Brugge halved the deficit through a Nicolo Tresoldi penalty, but Villa held out for their first win of the season.
What did John McGinn say about his history-making strike?
After the match, the Villa skipper said: "Pau Torres made a great run through the middle and I just tried to use the defender to elevate the goalkeeper's sight line, so I just passed it in the corner. As I've got older, I've tried to use that finish a lot more and just place it in the corner rather than smashing it. In the second half, I had a big chance to do the same.
“To get my first Champions League Player of the Match award aged 31, I’m very happy. It was so important to show a real gritty performance and get a victory at a very tough place to play. The [home] supporters were excellent [and Brugge are a] very impressive club, so to win tonight was huge for us. Club Brugge were pushing and pushing and pushing and we had to stand strong. We managed to do that."
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