ZHAKE
Marco Asensio has written himself into the Champions League record books by becoming the first player to make 50 substitute appearances.
And the 29-year-old made an almost immediate impact by scoring to help Aston Villa beat Club Brugge 3-1 in their last-16 first leg tie in Belgium on Tuesday evening.
The Spaniard wheeled away in delight after grabbing his fifth goal for the VillansCredit: AFP
Surprisingly left on the bench by Unai Emery, Asensio was brought on in the 64th minute with the Villans drawing 1-1 at the Jan Breydel Stadium.
An own goal from Brandon Mechele in 82nd minute put the visitors back into the lead after Maxim De Cuyper cancelled out Leon Bailey’s early opener.
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And in the 88th minute, Asensio sealed victory for Villa by firing in a penalty into the bottom left corner in what is his fifth goal for the club.
His appearance off the bench saw him create European Cup history by being the first player to reach a half-century of outings in the competition from the bench.
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It is his first appearance for Villa in Europe’s premier competition since joining the club on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in February.
In total, the Spaniard has now featured in 70 Champions League matches.
That means he has only started 20 times in the tournament since his debut during the 2016/17 season.
He ended up winning the competition that campaign – scoring in the final as Real Madrid beat Juventus 4-1 in Cardiff.
Though despite his lack of starts, he did lift the trophy three times – featuring in the 2017 and 2018 finals.
Moving to PSG in 2023, and his Champions League game time didn’t improve.
From his ten appearances for Les Parisiens in Europe, he was named in Luis Enrique’s starting XI in just three fixtures.
I Though despite his lack of starts, he did lift the trophy three times – featuring in the 2017 and 2018 finals.
Moving to PSG in 2023, and his Champions League game time didn’t improve.
From his ten appearances for Les Parisiens in Europe, he was named in Luis Enrique’s starting XI in just three fixtures.
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