McGinn seals Villa win against Bologna, Giroud fires Lille past Brann

BIRMINGHAM, England :An early goal from John McGinn helped Aston Villa to kick off their Europa League campaign with a gritty 1-0 group-stage win over Bologna on Thursday, while Olivier Giroud came off the bench to nod in a late winner in Lille’s dramatic 2-1 triumph against SK Brann.

Scottish midfielder McGinn's decisive goal came in the 13th minute, setting Villa off to a positive start in their European campaign at Villa Park.

McGinn broke the deadlock when a cleverly worked short corner found him in space outside the box. With precision, he struck a low shot that nestled into the bottom corner, leaving Bologna goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski rooted to the spot.

Ollie Watkins had a golden opportunity to double Villa’s lead in the 68th minute from the penalty spot, after being brought down by Martin Vitik. But his tame effort was easily saved by Skorupski.

Just minutes later, Bologna came agonisingly close to an equaliser when Santiago Castro’s powerful header crashed against the crossbar and bounced out of play.

McGinn admitted the win was vital, with Villa still without a Premier League victory this season.

"It was important to get a win at home. Not our strongest start to the season, especially here," he told TNT Sports.

"Really difficult to play against (Bologna) but we had chances, missed the penalty which could have made it a more difficult night. At this stage, we'll take anything that's coming."

GIROUD FLIES HIGH FOR LILLE

Substitute Giroud emerged as Lille’s hero earlier on Thursday, rising high to head in a decisive late goal that spoiled Norwegian Brann’s long-awaited return to European competition after 18 years.

The French side secured a 2-1 home victory in a match filled with drama, as both teams were denied multiple