Aston Villa swept aside their early-season scoring troubles to claim a breathless 3-2 victory over Club Brugge in their UEFA Champions League opener at Jan Breydel on Tuesday.

Goals from John McGinn, Emiliano Buendia, and Nicolas Jackson in a dominant first-half display gave Unai Emery's side the platform they needed, ending a three-game Premier League goalless run in emphatic fashion.

McGinn sets the tone

Villa's attack showed no sign of the hesitation that had plagued them domestically. McGinn broke the deadlock in the 11th minute, side-footing a crisp first-time effort into the bottom left corner after Pau Torres charged forward from defence to set him up.

Club Brugge's open, ambitious style made for a thrilling contest. Hugo Vetlesen levelled in the 19th minute with a low, precise shot into the corner, but Buendia restored Villa's advantage within three minutes — tapping in from close range after Joao Gomes created the opportunity.

Jackson opens his Villa account

Villa were relentless going forward, with 14 efforts in the first half alone. Jackson added the third in the 43rd minute, racing in behind the defence to meet Torres' long ball, getting to the ball ahead of goalkeeper Yann Sommer, and rolling it into an empty net. The goal was his first for the club since completing a record £65 million move.

Club Brugge reduced the deficit shortly after the hour mark when Nicolo Tresoldi converted a penalty in the 61st minute, the spot kick awarded for handball by Aaron Wan-Bissaka following a pitchside VAR review. The hosts pressed hard for an equaliser, but Villa defended resolutely to secure all three points.

Emery's side find their form

The Europa League holders had mustered just one shot on target across their opening three Premier League fixtures, making the contrast here all the more striking — Villa finished the evening with 21 shots, nine of which hit the target.

The victory sends a clear message as Villa begin life in Europe's premier club competition: when their attack fires, they are a formidable force.