Aston Villa make Champions League statement with historic Bayern Munich win
ASTON VILLA 1-0 BAYERN MUNICH: Jhon Duran was the hero once again as Unai Emery's team pulled of a historic victory over one of Europe's giants in the Champions League
by John Cross · The MirrorIt was the night when Aston Villa wrote the start of a new chapter in their glorious history.
No one at Villa Park will ever forget the red-hot atmosphere, the noise and the glory as they humbled the six-time European champions. And of course it had to be super sub Jhon Duran who was the match-winning hero as his wonder goal defeated mighty Bayern Munich.
It was Duran’s sixth goal of the season - five have come as a substitute - and this one will ensure his name is now written in Villa folklore. At the final whistle, Villa 'keeper Emiliano Martinez celebrated wildly amid the mayhem after his heroics - especially a last gasp super save to deny Harry Kane - secured a sensational victory.
What an achievement for Villa in their first Champions League home game for 41 years in what was a rematch of the 1982 European Cup final when Villa enjoyed the greatest night in their history. But make no mistake, this will night will also live long in the memory because Unai Emery has done such a remarkable job that he has allowed a whole new generation of Villa fans to dream again.
The whole build-up was about honouring the likes of Gary Shaw, the late great hero of the 1982 European Cup win. And they paid the best tribute possible. Villa Park was alive with energy, passion and determination and, ultimately, that defeated Bayern Munich who, try as they might, could not break down Emery’s heroes.
Villa stood tall, they embraced the noise and atmosphere and battled for a glorious victory to make it two wins out of two in Europe this season. That is one hell of a start and is also a nod to Emery’s European know-how over Bayern boss Vincent Kompany ’s inexperience.
Bayern dominated possession but the harsh reality is that Martinez made two sensational saves - one from Kane at the death and another from Michael Olise - and the German giants did not work him nearly enough. In contrast, Villa were dangerous on the break as Ollie Watkins unnerved Dayot Upamecano with his raw pace and the Bayern defender was horribly exposed on the winner.
You would have thought Kompany had enough Premier League know-how to realise that Watkins would be too quick and, ultimately, Duran peeled away from Upamecano to score. Kompany has so much talent at his disposal that it was hardly surprising Bayern were so dominant but you could see Kane get increasingly frustrated with himself, his teammates and a lack of chances.
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Pau Torres did have the ball in the net for Villa in the first half but it was quickly ruled out for offside against Jacob Ramsey in the build-up as semi-automated offside technology is quick and efficient. Take note, Premier League. Olise’s shot was tipped over by Martinez but the ex- Crystal Palace winger was hooked for Leroy Sane and yet even Bayern’s substitutes could not make a difference.
Leon Bailey had come on for the injured Ramsey but the substitute barely lasted half an hour before being substituted for Ian Maatsen. That was brutal but it was another substitute who made the difference.
Duran came on for Watkins. Torres played the ball forward, Colombian supersub and lucky charm Duran found some space, saw Manuel Neuer off his line and chipped the Bayern keeper and the ball flew into the empty net.
Bayern laid siege to the Villa box in the dying stages and Kane went so close with his header but Martinez’s brilliance secured victory. And no-one will forget his or Villa’s heroics.
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