Soccer Football - Champions League - Aston Villa v Bayern Munich - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - October 2, 2024 Aston Villa's Jhon Duran celebrates scoring their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
BIRMINGHAM, England (Reuters) -Aston Villa beat Bayern Munich 1-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday thanks to a brilliant late Jhon Duran goal as the hosts celebrated in style their first home game in Europe’s elite club competition for 41 years.
With the Germans dominating possession but squandering chances, Duran ran onto a high ball in the 79th minute, spotted goalkeeper Manuel Neuer off his line, and scooped the ball over him to send Villa Park into delirium.
It was the 20-year-old Colombian striker's fifth goal from the bench this season after four in the Premier League.
"He’s an excellent substitute. The first time he touched the ball, he chipped Neuer – one of the most beautiful goals in history," said Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, whose saves also played a vital part in securing victory.
The win was a throwback to one of Villa's most glorious days when they beat Bayern to lift the European Cup in 1982.
Duran's goal came against the run of play as the visitors enjoyed two thirds of possession and the best chances but found World Cup-winning goalkeeper Martinez at his best.
In the first half, the Argentine saved a Harry Kane bullet header, though the striker was later ruled offside, then tipped over a shot from Michael Olise.
At the death, with Bayern pressing for an equaliser, Martinez dived athletically to stop a goal-bound Kane header, drawing a roar almost as loud as the goal.
"It's unreal. It's a night that we will remember for a long time. It's a statement," Martinez added. "It was hurting my ears. This is a club that's moving forward. I love playing here. I love the fans."
PERFECT START
The result gave Villa two wins out of two in the new 36-team league phase of the Champions League, after a first victory 3-0 at Switzerland's Young Boys.
Bayern, six-times European champions, have begun their campaign with a win and a defeat after their opening 9-2 thrashing of Dinamo Zagreb.
"We missed some big chances and they scored the chance. We've got to take the learnings from this," manager Vincent Kompany said.
"When we have the ball, we're dangerous, but they're a strong team, this isn't an easy place. It wasn't a bad performance."
Before Duran's match winner, Villa thought they had taken the lead and made Bayern pay for missed chances in the first half when Pau Torres stabbed home during a melee in front of goal. But his effort was ruled out for an earlier offside by teammate Jacob Ramsey.
That left Duran to take the hero's role.
"When he came to the club I didn't have a clue he was 20. The way he plays, he's such a handful for defenders when he comes on with all that energy. He knows he'll get that chance and backs himself 100%," said fellow striker Morgan Rogers.
"He's the most chilled, relaxed person I've ever met. He's a different animal when he's playing."
(Reporting by Andrew Cawthorne,Editing by Toby Davis and Ed Osmomd)
