Despite the numerous criticisms following his decision to play for Morocco, Chemsdine Talbi was indeed included in the starting lineup as a midfielder for this first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. The future Lion of the Atlas showed promising moments despite his team’s 3-1 defeat, Club Brugge. In the 30th minute, Talbi had the opportunity to score a goal that could have changed the course of the game and given Brugge the lead, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Aston Villa’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez.
Brugge was shaken early, conceding a goal in the 3rd minute to Aston Villa, but the Belgians quickly responded by equalizing in the 12th minute. Aston Villa regained the advantage in the second half with an own goal from Brandon Mechele and a penalty converted by Marco Asensio in the 86th minute. Talbi, who was substituted in the 84th minute, performed his role seriously in midfield, but with this victory for the English side in Belgium, Brugge’s task now seems difficult for the return leg, though not impossible.
