BERN, Switzerland, Sept 18 V7N — Aston Villa marked their return to Europe's elite with a commanding 3-0 victory against Swiss club Young Boys on Tuesday, kicking off their Champions League campaign in style after a 41-year absence from the competition.

Youri Tielemans opened the scoring in the 27th minute, firing Villa into the lead with a well-placed shot following a short corner. The Premier League side continued to dominate the match on the artificial turf of the Stadion Wankdorf, doubling their advantage in the 38th minute when Jacob Ramsey tapped in from close range after a defensive error from Young Boys.

Despite having two goals from Ollie Watkins and substitute Jhon Duran disallowed for handball, Villa maintained their pressure. Amadou Onana sealed the victory with a powerful strike late in the game, showcasing Villa's superiority throughout the match.

This victory is particularly significant for Villa, who were European champions in 1982. The fans, who traveled in numbers to support their team, were rewarded with an exciting performance. The night was also marked by a poignant tribute to former Villa striker Gary Shaw, who passed away earlier in the week. Villa's coach, Unai Emery, dedicated the victory to Shaw, emphasizing the club's rich history and the importance of this win.

Emery expressed pride in his team's performance, stating, "We are using the experiences we are adding to do our best playing in the Champions League." He acknowledged the challenges ahead, with tougher matches against teams like Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Celtic on the horizon.

Aston Villa's return to the Champions League has been a long time coming, and under Emery's leadership, they are eager to reclaim their place among Europe's top clubs.

END/WSP/RH/