When Tyrone Mings’ blunder handed Club Brugge a penalty in the Champions League group stage last November, Aston Villa boss Unai Emery described it as “the biggest mistake I have witnessed in my career.” It was a night to forget for the England defender, but on Tuesday, he returned to the same stadium and played a pivotal role in Villa’s 3-1 victory in the last-16 first leg.
Reflecting on his performance, Mings expressed satisfaction with how he responded to past adversity. “I was more than happy to come back here and play in this stadium again because I think we had unfinished business,” he said. “We knew what to expect, and the match unfolded just as we anticipated. Both our defensive and attacking play were strong, and I’m very proud of what we achieved.”
With the second leg set for 12 March in Birmingham, Villa will aim to finish the job and secure a quarter-final spot, where they could meet Liverpool or Paris Saint-Germain. Mings, meanwhile, looks to have fully put his previous mistake behind him.
How it all went wrong in november
In a moment of confusion four months ago, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez nudged the ball out of the six-yard area, only for Mings to pick it up, assuming the goal-kick had not been taken. The mistake led German referee Tobias Stieler to award a penalty for handball, allowing Brugge captain Hans Vanaken to convert what turned out to be the match-winner.
It was a nightmare for Mings, who was substituted soon after in what was only his second appearance following a 14-month absence due to an ACL injury. “His mistake is completely strange,” Emery remarked after that game. “It’s only happened one time in all my life.”
A dominant display in Belgium
On his return to Brugge, Mings made his presence felt early on, providing a precise header to assist Leon Bailey’s opening goal in the third minute. Later, with the score level at 1-1, Vanaken’s goal-bound header seemed destined for the net until Mings intervened with a crucial touch, deflecting it wide.
“Tyrone Mings was incredible there,” noted former Scotland winger Pat Nevin, who covered the match for BBC Radio 5 Live. “He prevented a certain goal.”
Mings’ defensive contributions were immense, making seven clearances – more than any other player. As the final whistle blew, Villa’s 1,500 traveling supporters erupted in celebration, recognizing the team’s sixth victory in nine Champions League matches this season.
Emery praised Mings’ performance, highlighting his mental resilience. “The first experience he had here was not good, but today he reacted fantastically. He stayed focused, serious, and even saved a goal-bound effort,” the Villa manager said. “I always work with players to learn from experiences, analyze them deeply, and correct mistakes. We adjusted something from our last match here.”
Villa’s quarter-final hopes are still in the balance
Villa’s win in Belgium marked their first knockout tie in Europe’s elite club competition since the 1982-83 quarter-finals. However, Brugge had their chances, and Emery remains cautious about the return leg.
“We are not in the quarter-finals yet,” he warned. “There’s another 90 minutes to play, and we must be prepared for extra time and penalties if needed. We have great respect for our opponents. They beat Atalanta 3-1 in the previous round and are very competitive.”
Emery emphasized the importance of reviewing the match to prepare for any challenges that might arise in the second leg. “I’m happy, but we need to stay balanced. We must analyze this game carefully and be ready for what lies ahead.”
With a two-goal cushion and home advantage in the second leg, Villa are in a strong position to progress. But as Emery insists, there is still work to be done.
