Jhon Duran’s glorious late goal earned Aston Villa a famous 1-0 win over Bayern Munich as Champions League football came to Villa Park.
The in-form striker came off the bench and swiftly spotted Manuel Neuer off his line, lighting up Villa Park on a special European night that marked a repeat of the 1982 European Cup final famously won by the West Midlands club.
Unai Emery’s side held firm throughout as the German giants were kept at bay, although it required a dramatic save by Emiliano Martinez from Harry Kane in the final moments. The victory maintains Villa’s perfect start to the Champions League season.
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Paul Merson celebrates Aston Villa’s ‘unbelievable’ goal from Jhon Duran against Bayern Munich in the Champions League
How Villa beat Bayern
Villa thought they had a first-half lead when Pau Torres forced the ball in from close range but the celebrations were short-lived because of a clear offside in the build-up, only spotted after a VAR check. At the other end, Michael Olise had a shot tipped over.
Bayern moved the ball quickly from the start, dominating possession and threatening to trouble Villa with their movement out wide but in Ollie Watkins, the home side always had an outlet. Dayot Upamecano, isolated, struggled to deal with the England striker.
Kane, passed fit for the contest, showed some typically impressive vision in setting up others, but had few opportunities of his own until very late as Villa defended stoutly. Instead, it was Duran who was the hero, spotting Neuer off his line as he ran through.
Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran celebrates after scoring Aston Villa’s winner against Bayern Munich
It was the finish of a confident forward, collecting Torres’ pass and taking the chance early. The noise that greeted it will be remembered long in these parts, particularly because of Martinez’s diving saves from Serge Gnabry’s right foot and Kane’s head.
Neuer has earned his reputation as the best goalkeeper of his generation, Kane worthy of his as the winner of the European Golden Shoe. But it was Villa’s goalkeeper and Villa’s striker who were the star performers on the night – a special one, indeed.
Emi Martinez made a number of crucial saves
Martinez saves at close range from Serge Gnabry
Martinez dives to save Harry Kane’s header deep into stoppage time
Special atmosphere at Villa
Villa’s status as one of English football’s grand old clubs was secured before the events of 1982, all seven titles predating that European Cup win, but it is no exaggeration to suggest that much of the mythology revolves around that evening in Rotterdam.
The top of the Doug Ellis Stand has the famous commentary lines from the goal that won that final adorning upon it – ‘Shaw, Williams, prepared to adventure down the left, there’s a good ball played in for Tony Morley… Oh, it must be!… And it is!… Peter Withe!’
Those memories come with added poignancy now following the passing of Gary Shaw just weeks ago, the local lad who helped Villa defeat the German champions that night 42 years ago. The legacy of him and his team-mates was felt keenly inside the stadium.
Story of the match in stats…
What’s coming up in the Champions League?
