BRUGGE, Belgium — Marcus Rashford marked his return to Champions League football on Tuesday with a key role in Aston Villa’s 3-1 victory over Club Brugge in the opening leg of their last-16 encounter.
While Rashford did not find the net for his new team, his first-half performance was noteworthy as he demonstrated his skill and speed from the flank.
Following Leon Bailey’s goal that gave Villa an early lead, Rashford nearly capitalized on a breakaway to extend the advantage in the 10th minute. However, his close-range shot was thwarted by Brugge’s goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. Rashford was eventually substituted in the 64th minute for Marco Asensio.
This game was Rashford’s first in the Champions League since last November, following his red card for Manchester United against FC Copenhagen. Since joining Villa on loan from United in February, after a fallout with United’s manager Ruben Amorim due to training commitment concerns, Rashford has not played for United since December 12.
The 27-year-old forward’s loan agreement with Villa extends through the season’s end. Despite not scoring for Villa yet, Rashford has significantly contributed to the team’s success by assisting three goals for Asensio.
According to UEFA, Rashford appeared in 33 Champions League matches for Manchester United, netting 12 goals.
Villa, a surprise performer in the league phase, secured an eighth-place finish to claim the last-16 spot against Club Brugge—a team that had previously defeated them 1-0 in November and later went on to eliminate Atalanta in the playoffs.
