Aston Villa had a memorable night in Europe, beating Bayern Munich 1-0 in the Champions League.
The hosts were good value for their win, despite the visitors having more of the ball.
Pau Torres had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half, while Serge Gnabry could have played in Harry Kane at the other end.
It was a scrappy second half, but Jhon Duran was the hero off the bench, scoring a beautiful goal, and lobbing Manuel Neuer, who was off his line.
It marks two wins in two for Villa, who are loving life back in Europe’s elite competition.
This is Aston Villa Football Club. pic.twitter.com/bSyeMNkJs7
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) October 2, 2024
How it happened
The match began with both teams each other out, with Bayern Munich controlling possession but finding it difficult to break through Villa’s organised defence.
Bayern created early chances, with Serge Gnabry and Joshua Kimmich testing Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Kimmich’s powerful low drive was well saved by Martinez in the opening minutes, setting the tone for what would be a busy night for the Argentine shot-stopper.
As Bayern piled on the pressure, Villa gradually grew into the game and had a goal disallowed just before the half-hour mark.
Pau Torres had the ball in the net after a scramble in the box, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside, much to the disappointment of the Villa Park faithful.
Bayern continued to press, with Kingsley Coman and Harry Kane leading the charge.
COME ONNNNNNNNNN 💜 pic.twitter.com/BYzaiSUpjk
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) October 2, 2024
Kane had a few half-chances, including a header from a Kimmich cross that Martinez comfortably saved.
The first half ended goalless, with Bayern looking the more dangerous of the two sides.
The second half saw a similar pattern, with Bayern dominating possession and Villa relying on quick counter-attacks.
Leroy Sane came on for Bayern to add more pace and creativity to their attack, but it was Villa who would find the breakthrough.
In the 79th minute, Torres played a perfectly weighted ball over the top for Jhon Duran, who latched onto it and calmly chipped Bayern’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who found himself in no man’s land.
Villa Park erupted as Duran’s goal gave the hosts a vital lead with just over 10 minutes to play.
All of us in the 79th minute 😅 pic.twitter.com/sItSRIGyu6
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) October 2, 2024
With the clock ticking down, Bayern threw everything at Villa in search of an equaliser.
Jamal Musiala and Kane both had chances, but Martinez was in inspired form.
The Villa goalkeeper made a series of crucial saves, including a diving stop to deny Kane’s header in the final moments of stoppage time.
Villa were forced to dig deep in the closing stages as Bayern piled on the pressure.
As the final whistle blew, Villa Park erupted once more, celebrating a famous victory.
