Aston Villa are in the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time since lifting the trophy in 1982. Their reward is a draw with Club Brugge, a team they have already faced this season.

This is a rare opportunity for Villa to make their mark in Europe's elite competition. They have secured a top-eight finish in the new Champions League phase and now face a side that barely made it.

Brugge, runners-up in the 1978 European Cup, are in the last 16 for only the second time. They reached the knockout stages on goal difference and stunned Atalanta BC in the play-offs. Their strength at home is evident, with just one defeat in 17 games at the Jan Breydelstadion.

Villa know this first-hand. When the two sides met in November, Unai Emery's side suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat after a lapse in concentration led to a crucial penalty. However, the Spaniard is expecting a better performance this time around.

“We analysed the match we played here and they played fantastic football, but we didn’t compete like I want to do,” Emery said. “To be consistent, competing is the most important.”

Despite the setback, Villa bounced back to secure a top-eight finish with a dramatic 4-2 win over Celtic. Their campaign has shown glimpses of a side capable of going the distance.

Emery is no stranger to knockout football, having reached this stage with three different clubs. He believes Villa's strength will come from their structure rather than individual brilliance.

“We are not going to get our objective only through individual players or skills,” he said. “We are going to get our objective collectively, building our structure as strong as possible.”

Villa’s biggest concern remains their away form. They have lost nine of their last 12 matches on the road, a trend that needs to change if they are to progress.

They have, however, been nearly unbeatable at home, losing just twice in their last 23 matches. Emery will aim to keep things tight in Belgium before pushing for victory in Birmingham.

This tie presents a real chance for Villa to reach the quarter-finals. If they can overcome their away struggles, they could take another significant step in their European journey.