Aston Villa's magical Champions League journey continued as they marked Unai Emery's second anniversary in charge by going top of the league phase on another European night to remember.

Captain John McGinn, Villa's longest-serving player, set his side on their way against Bologna straight from a free-kick at a raucous Villa Park.

McGinn's 55th-minute set-piece from out wide evaded everyone inside the penalty area - including Bologna goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski - before landing in the back of the net.

The Italians were upset with Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro as they believed they should have been awarded a free-kick moments earlier.

Villa doubled their lead nine minutes later when Jhon Duran marked his first Villa Park start for 11 months by sweeping home from close range, his seventh goal of the season.

It was his last touch as he was replaced by Ollie Watkins, who was waiting to come on when the Colombia forward scored, with Duran showing his displeasure at being replaced by kicking the back of a seat in the dugout.

Having beaten Swiss side Young Boys and heavyweights Bayern Munich earlier this season, Villa now have nine points from three games as Emery's side continue to make light work of their return to European football's top club competition.