Superlatives are often over-used, but there are occasions like Villa’s spectacular Champions League victory over Bayern Munich where they are justified. This was a superb team performance, against exceptional opposition, masterminded by the outstanding Unai Emery. The win will likely go down as one of the finest and most impressive to ever have occurred at Villa Park.
Report: Aston Villa 1-0 Bayern Munich
Emery first turned heads with his team selection, standing by Diego Carlos despite shaky displays against Wolves and Ipswich, and the surprise inclusion of youngster Jaden Philogene. Over 90 minutes they proved to be inspired choices by the manager. The focus in the early phases of the game, however, was most certainly upon the visitor’s dominance of the ball. We were treated to a world-class display in ball retention that served to remind us that the Champions League is not all going to be like our experience against Young Boys.
Bayern’s control didn’t amount to huge numbers of chances, but it created an unnerving sense that they could turn the screw at any time. The four-time European champions would be left rueing their control of the possession amounting to only a handful of clear-cut moments across the 90 minutes. This was to Villa’s credit though. We were solid and organised defensively, especially in these dangerous early minutes. Gnabry went closest after pacing into the penalty area. The former West Brom player should have done better, rifling a powerful shot over Martinez’s bar. It was Pau Torres who found the net first, resulting in jubilant scenes erupting around the ground, only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR to extinguish the party.
There were further forays forward from Villa that suggested we might have some luck if we could break away. Watkins and Rogers were unlucky on a couple of occasions not to burst through and Bayern’s imposing centre-back Upamecano applied all of the dark arts to prevent this. The defender also found himself fortunate to escape an early booking and trod a tightrope all evening after picking up a deserved yellow.
It was a nervy, but exhilarating first half. The pre-match anticipation had manifested into a fine atmosphere, and with the home and away fans loud and fixated upon the game in front of them, it set up a real spectacle for the second half.
Bayern returned with a similar purpose after the break, and alothough their ease at moving the ball was a joy to watch, sticking so rigidly to a patient gameplan was their ultimate undoing. Emery, far more experienced than Kompany, started to shuffle the pack. Bailey, who had been ineffective having been called upon to replace the injured Ramsey, was withdrawn. Maatson and Barkley appeared, with Onana also making way.
A number of Villa players were now really starting to put in the kind of performances that give cause not only for great optimism but huge pride. Tielemans was tireless, precise and ever present. Digne showed all of his experience and the attributes which earned him a recent recall for France. Torres was cool at the back but demonstrated a range of passing which makes him stand out from most others. Philogene silenced all those who prematurely judged his talent on momentary glimpses since his return from Hull.
Watkins, who had run all night and battled supremely up front, was withdrawn for Duran. A huge statement and at this level, still very much a gamble. The Colombian dived straight into the fray offering energy, physicality and raw unpredictability, which combine to make him one of the hottest prospects in world football. The question is, at what point does a player transcend from a promising striker into one which is rightly feared? Duran has delivered consistently this season, with both eye-catching goals and ones which have delivered important results too. Duran truly announced himself onto the world stage just minutes after appearing, running onto a pin-point Torres ball, and, to exasperated gasps around Villa Park, once again took on the unthinkable. With no hesitation, he swung a boot and nonchalantly lobbed Manuel Neuer. The German, with 31 major honours to his name, could only watch on as the ball sailed into the net and gave Villa the lead. Villa Park erupted, truly.
WATCH JHON DURAN GOAL
Bayern were stunned and immediately sensed the need to up the ante and commenced their hunt for an equaliser. On a night of surprises, Diego Carlos produced his finest performance in a Villa shirt. And what a night to channel the form that saw him become an infamous figure at Sevilla. The Brazilian, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury mere games into his Villa career has struggled to stay fit, in favour or produce anything like the quality he was purchased for. He’s truly been through the mill. Carlos’ display against Bayern was flawless, gutsy and featured at least three goal-stopping moments of top quality. At the death, he also faced the unenviable position of having to decide whether to allow a through ball to Kane passing him by or handling right on the edge of the area. As the yellow was brandished and the freekick was setup on the edge of the area, vindication came as the set-piece was successfully cleared.
Behind was the impassable Emi Martinez. The Argentine World Cup winner was hounded repeatedly by the match official, intent on preventing Martinez from delaying proceedings in any way he tried. However, a master at this, Martinez had aces up his sleeve. After being eyeballed for taking time to collect the ball, the officials dispersed, only for the goal kick to be placed just far enough beyond the line to command a further reproach. As the clock hit 90 minutes and one second, and as Bayern attempted to throw the kitchen sink, a lie down and a hamstring massage was the order of the day. Unpalatable, perhaps. It did go some way to even up some rather favourable decision making towards Bayern across the night.
On the goalkeeping front it was a genuinely world class showing. A finger-tip save prevented a certain goal curling into the top corner in the first half. A close range second half stop was as good. The best arguably came in the depths of injury time, as Harry Kane directed a header towards the right hand corner. Martinez was not to be beaten, diving on the stretch to parry the goalbound effort away. At the final whistle, Dibu fell to his knees.
This was a special game, with a special group of players who have delivered something which few thought feasible. The team continues to evolve, and as the 1982 European Cup winners looked on, are now beginning to make their own history. What a result. What a night. What memories have been made. Whatever next?
IN PICTURES
PRE MATCH TIFO
Aston Villa 1-0 Bayern Munich
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Emi Martinez
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Lucas Digne
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Ezri Konsa
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Diego Carlos
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Pau Torres
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Youri Tielemans
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Amadou Onana
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Morgan Rogers
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Ollie Watkins
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Jadan Philogene
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Leon Bailey (Sub)
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Ross Barkley
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Jhon Duran
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Jacob Ramsey
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Ian Maatson