Following the excitement of the Bayern Munich game I didn’t think I would be as excited about Bologna but I was. As I woke game day, I had the same feelings I had on the morning of Munich and couldn’t wait until I finished work and could meet friends for a drink before kick-off.
When the draw was made for the Champions League, this was one of three games I pinpointed that we needed to be looking at winning. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect Villa to finish Game 3 on maximum points without conceding a single goal.
There was a good friendly atmosphere around the ground before kick-off. Villa and Bologna’s fans mixed with the Italians seeming as excited as we were about being in club football’s most prestigious competition. And then the famous anthem rang around Villa Park once again…… THE CHAMPIONS!!!
Report: Aston Villa 2-0 Bologna
Unai Emery made four changes to the side that beat Fulham in the Premier League at the weekend. Jhon Durán got his long-awaited start as Ollie Watkins was rested. Ian Maatsen, John McGinn, and Ezri Konsa came in for Lucas Digne, Jacob Ramsey, and Matty Cash, who all dropped to the bench. Long-term absentees Tyrone Mings and Bouba Kamara were also named among a strong substitutes bench.
The game got off to a fast start with both sides looking to put their stamp on the game and the visitors had the first chance of note when Thijs Dallinga came close but was denied by Emi Martínez.
As the game went on, Vill...