Marco Asensio has impressed the English media after his substitute appearance on Wednesday night. Following his Champions League brace against Club Brugge, the Spaniard has been dubbed the 'matador' and a 'world-class super-sub'.
Aston Villa delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Club Brugge, a result that not only secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals but also further highlighted the growing influence of Marco Asensio.
The Spaniard, initially expected to be given a rest, started the match on the bench, with Unai Emery keen to manage his minutes. However, with the game well under control, the Villa manager saw an opportunity to unleash his star loanee in the second half. Just eleven minutes after stepping onto the pitch, Asensio had already made his mark, scoring twice in quick succession and once again proving himself to be one of the most decisive players in the squad. His lethal finishing and intelligent movement caused immediate problems for the Brugge defense, which simply had no answer to his sharpness in front of goal.
Since arriving in Birmingham on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, Asensio has become an instant hit, not just for his technical quality but for the sheer impact he has had on the team’s attacking play. The Villa Park faithful have already embraced him as one of their own, and performances like this only strengthen his reputation. His brace against Brugge marked the third consecutive home game in which he scored twice, further establishing himself as one of the most clinical finishers in England at the moment. In his last five matches, the Spaniard has found the net seven times, an astonishing run of form that has drawn praise from pundits and fans alike.
The English media did not hold back in their admiration for the Spaniard’s latest performance. The Birmingham Mail described him as "a sensational loan signing" and awarded him a 9/10 rating for his display. Sky Sports was equally enthusiastic, naming him Man of the Match and praising his immediate connection with the supporters, stating that "he has been a revelation for Villa and is already adored by the fans." Regional newspaper Express & Star highlighted just how devastating Asensio has been when coming off the bench, noting that he needed just 71 minutes of playing time to score three goals in the Champions League for Villa, a testament to his efficiency and ability to deliver in crucial moments.
His remarkable form has now cemented his reputation as the ultimate super-sub in the Champions League. His numbers in the competition speak for themselves, as he has now made 51 substitute appearances and scored 12 goals after coming off the bench. No other player in the tournament’s history has matched those figures, making him a truly unique weapon for Unai Emery to deploy. His ability to come on and immediately change the course of a match has become his trademark, and Brugge became the latest victim of his lethal finishing.
The BBC highlighted how much Asensio has benefited from his move to Villa, describing how the club has "breathed new life into him" and allowed him to rediscover his best form. His resurgence has been reflected in the numbers, with only Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain (eight goals) having outscored Asensio (seven) among players in Europe’s top five leagues since his Villa debut. His performances have sparked debate over whether PSG made a mistake in loaning him out, as he continues to thrive in a system that allows him to express his full attacking potential.
Even the notoriously dramatic The Sun could not ignore Asensio’s brilliance, describing his performance in poetic terms. Their article compared his brace against Brugge to "a matador striking down a bull", adding that "he warmed himself up for his reunion with PSG with a lethal double against the ten men of Club Brugge." His impact on the match was undeniable, and with each game, the excitement surrounding him continues to grow.
The Champions League quarter-finals now loom large, and for Asensio, the next round carries a deeper significance. Villa’s next opponent will be none other than Paris Saint-Germain, the very club that sent him out on loan. The match will not only be a test of Villa’s credentials against one of Europe’s elite teams but also a personal opportunity for Asensio to prove his worth to PSG, showing them what they have been missing since his departure.
For Unai Emery, the tie is just as significant. The Spanish coach spent two years in charge of PSG from 2016 to 2018 but has never returned to face them since leaving. Speaking after the Brugge match, Emery acknowledged the emotional weight of the upcoming quarter-final clash, stating, "Playing against PSG is special because I haven’t been back since I left. It’s going to be fantastic. This is the level, and we are at this level. We should be proud, but we want more." His words reflect a sense of confidence and ambition within the Villa camp. The team is not just content with reaching the last eight; they believe they can go even further.
Asensio’s future is now a subject of growing speculation, with many wondering whether Villa will try to secure him permanently. When asked about the possibility of keeping the Spanish forward beyond this season, Emery remained measured in his response. "It depends. We are very happy with him." While no firm decision has been made, it is clear that Asensio’s performances have given Villa plenty to think about.
Aston Villa’s rise under Emery has been one of the most compelling stories of the season, and Asensio’s presence has only added to the excitement. With the PSG showdown fast approaching, there is a growing belief at Villa Park that they can take on the European giants and emerge victorious. For Asensio, it is a chance to send a clear message to his parent club. For Villa, it is a chance to prove that they belong among the continent’s elite. Whatever happens next, one thing is certain: Asensio has already left his mark, and he is far from finished.
