BSC Young Boys 0-3 Aston Villa

Aston Villa enjoyed a memorable return among Europe’s elite as they triumphed 3-0 over BSC Young Boys in their UEFA Champions League opener.

Youri Tielemans fired Villa into the lead in the 27^th minute courtesy of a well-worked corner routine, the club’s first goal in the prestigious competition since last competing 41 years ago.

It was fitting that it came from Villa’s No.8, just a day after 1982 European Cup winner Gary Shaw passed away, with the striker enjoying many memorable nights in Europe wearing the same number.  

Villa doubled their advantage just 11 minutes later at Stadion Wankdorf as Academy graduate Jacob Ramsey fired home from close range following a defensive error.

Ollie Watkins saw a third harshly ruled out for handball following a VAR review as Unai Emery’s side enjoyed a dream opening 45 minutes.

The visitors were denied again as the clash entered the latter stages as substitute Jhon Durán’s strike was disallowed by VAR for a handball in the build-up.

But Villa were celebrating again in the 86^th minute as Amadou Onana fired home to put the seal on all three points and a clean sheet in Bern, Switzerland.

It represents a momentous occasion for the club having risen from the Championship to the Champions League in just five years, with Bayern Munich next up at Villa Park.

Young Boys enjoyed a title-winning campaign in the Swiss Super League last season and qualified for the Champions League by triumphing over Galatasaray in the play-off round, although they went into the clash at the foot of their domestic table following the opening six matches of 2024/25.

Manager Emery kept faith with same starting XI who came from two goals down to triumph 3-2 over Everton in the Premier League at the weekend, with fit-again Leon Bailey named among the substitutes.

The two sets of players emerged to the backdrop of bouncing home support, giant flags and pyrotechnics, before lining up for the sound of the iconic Champions League anthem.

Villa’s players wore black armbands in honour of club legend Shaw, while there was also an applause pre-match and among the travelling faithful in the eighth minute.

Emi Martínez was called upon to make early saves on the artificial pitch, comfortably collecting Filip Ugrinic’s free-kick before parrying from Ebrima Colley shortly afterwards, Ugrinic sending the rebound wide.

The lively Colley found the roof of the net from distance before Villa threatened for the first time, John McGinn firing narrowly over from 20 yards.

And the captain was instrumental in Villa’s opener just minutes later, courtesy of a corner routine straight from the training ground.

Lucas Digne played it short to McGinn and he sent a deep delivery to an unmarked Tielemans, who entered into the area, took a touch and fired low beyond David von Ballmoos.

And the Villans were in dreamland in the 38^th minute as they capitalised on a defensive mistake.

Watkins intercepted a short back pass from Mohamed Ali Camara and was brought down by ‘keeper Von Ballmoos in the area, before Ramsey fired home the loose ball from close range.

It could have been even better for the visitors before the break as Watkins found the net, only to see his effort ruled out for handball following a VAR review.

Diego Carlos replaced Lamare Bogarde at the interval as Villa continued in their quest for a third goal.

Tielemans struck the roof of the net from a long-range free-kick before testing Von Ballmoos, again from distance.

Jhon Durán, matchwinner in three of four Premier League matches so far this season, was introduced on the hour mark.

Ramsey was next to go close as he saw his strike tipped over the crossbar by Van Ballmoos in the 64^th minute, before Martínez parried well from Silvere Ganvoula and collected a 25-yard strike from Ugrinic.

Sub Durán thought he had added a third 12 minutes from time, only for his effort to be ruled out after another review.

But Onana did just that from distance soon afterwards, finding the bottom corner as Villa triumphed in the first competitive meeting between two sides.