Club Brugge goalkeeper explains why Aston Villa can beat Paris Saint-Germain

The former Sunderland and Liverpool shot-stopper got first-hand experience of Villa’s attacking threat as a blistering 11-minute barrage during Wednesday’s second leg saw Unai Emery’s team put the last-16 tie beyond the Belgian club’s reach.

Villa, who scored twice in the final eight minutes of last week’s first leg to seize a 3-1 lead heading into the return, scored three times in quick succession to claim a 6-1 aggregate win.

And while they will head into next month’s clash with PSG as underdogs, after the French club knocked out Liverpool, Mignolet believes they can pull off the shock.

Asked if Villa had a chance he replied: “Oh yes, definitely. Especially over two legs. 

“I saw the game between PSG and Liverpool and PSG were really strong. Liverpool are tough to beat. It will be tough for Aston Villa. 

“But the difference between Villa and Paris is smaller than Brugge and Villa. So, they definitely have a chance.” 

Mignolet acknowledged Villa ultimately proved too strong for Brugge in a tie which he thought was closer than the final aggregate scoreline suggested.

The Belgian club were the better team at home before Villa struck late, while they also edged the first half of Wednesday’s second leg despite being reduced to 10-men in just the 16th minute when Kryriani Sabbe was sent-off.

Villa’s substitutes proved key in both matches, with three-time Champions League winner Marco Asensio scoring three times in the tie after coming off the bench.

Mignolet said: “I think everyone sees the quality they have, especially in the attacking part of the team, even the game at our place. 

“The moment they bring on guys like Asensio, he can change any game. That says a lot.

“They deserved to go through. If we’d have kept it to 1-1 at home and not taken the red card, we’d have had a chance. But if you’re trailing 3-1 and lose a man, it’s going to be a tough day against Villa.

“I think 6-1 over the two legs isn’t really fair on us. But that’s football, you have to take your moments. If you’re a high quality team, you’ll take them.”