João Gomes marked his first Champions League appearance with an assist as Aston Villa secured a 3-2 victory over Club Brugge in Belgium last Tuesday. The midfielder set up Emiliano Buendía for the visitors' second goal during a hard-fought contest.
Speaking to Globo Esporte after the match, according to Sport Witness, the 25-year-old described playing in the competition for the first time as a dream come true. He expressed satisfaction at combining the personal milestone with a positive result and a strong individual display.
Gomes believes the team handled a demanding atmosphere well on the night. He noted the tight pitch and constant pressure from the home supporters but felt the squad responded properly from the opening whistle to the final one.
Looking ahead, the Brazilian set an ambitious target of winning their next two European fixtures, both scheduled to take place at Villa Park. He stated clearly that reaching the knockout stage is the primary objective and that beginning with three points away from home provides a useful platform.
The former Wolves player moved to Aston Villa when the summer transfer window was open, completing the switch before the deadline on 1 September. Despite the recent change of club, he appears comfortable in his new surroundings and credits his previous experience in English football for smoothing the transition.
Gomes explained that the intensity of the Premier League was already familiar to him, which has helped him adapt quickly to what is required. He also pointed to a productive pre-season, including scoring against Bayern Munich in a friendly, as preparation for the demands of the current campaign.
With the transfer window now closed until January 2027, the focus remains entirely on performances on the pitch. Gomes says he intends to keep working hard in training to contribute positively throughout the season.
