Marty Cash: "We have to stay focused and rise to the challenge"

Aston Villa defender Matty Cash says they must stay focused to win their Champions League last-16 tie against Club Brugge ahead of their upcoming clash at Old Trafford.

In the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, Aston Villa led Bruges 3-1 away. In the pre-match press conference, Cash did not take it lightly, but emphasized that the team knew it would be a difficult battle.

Cash said: "Coach Emery has been conveying the same message that every Champions League team should not be underestimated. Although we currently have a two-goal advantage, there are too many examples in history where the leading team will be reversed in the second leg. Therefore, we must stay focused and meet the challenge."

Aston Villa is currently unbeaten in 15 home games in all competitions, but Cash revealed that the team will not play conservatively just because of the lead: "Our mentality is to win the game and advance with all our strength. Even if we are two goals ahead, we will treat it as a 0-0 game and start again."

"Brugge is a very strong team. They eliminated Atalanta in the last round, and Atalanta is a very good team. This is enough to prove the competitiveness and stability of Brugge."

In addition to Aston Villa and Bruges competing for the Champions League quarter-finals, there are three other groups of matches that will be held on the same day. The three groups of matches are Lille vs. Dortmund, Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid, and Arsenal vs. PSV Eindhoven.