Bayern Munich had not lost a Champions League group game since 2017, but a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Wednesday signaled a new era of European triumph for the English club.
Villa relived the club’s most memorable night, when they defeated Bayern Munich to win the European Cup in 1982, their first home match at the continent’s premier level in 41 years.
The Birmingham club’s fortunes have changed dramatically in less than two years since Unai Emery took over, catapulting Villa from relegation at the bottom of the Premier League to fourth place last season.
Two games into their first experience since the European Cup was relaunched as the Champions League, they are one of only seven teams with maximum points.
Bayern’s previous group stage defeat was 41 games ago, when Emery was in charge of Paris Saint-Germain.
The Spaniard’s stint in France and as Arsene Wenger’s successor at Arsenal did not go well.
However, he has a track record of promoting European football’s middleweights to compete with the continent’s heavyweights.
Emery won the Europa League three times in a row with Sevilla before winning it again with Villarreal in 2021, delivering the club’s first big title.
Villa are currently experiencing the benefits of Emery’s tactical acumen and ability to refine rough gems.
– ‘Moving Forward’
Last season, Villa defeated Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham, all of whom had larger resources, to finish fourth in the Premier League.
In doing so, Emery’s side defeated both championship contenders Manchester City and Arsenal 1-0 at Villa Park in December, and they replicated the feat against a Bayern club that arrived in England in high form.
Villa’s organisation hindered Bayern, and super sub Jhon Duran delivered a sucker punch.
The Colombian lobbed Manuel Neuer 11 minutes from time to score his fifth goal of the season after coming off the bench.
Emi Martinez was then forced to make two stunning saves in the final moments as Bayern, who had averaging more than four goals per game since Vincent Kompany took over, were shut out.
“We want to get into the top eight,” stated Argentina’s World Cup winner Martinez.
“This is without a doubt the loudest Villa Park I have heard since joining the club.
It’s an active club. I enjoy playing here, and I appreciate the fans. This is a victory for them.”
Emery’s strategy even received royal approval. He was granted an audience with Villa fan Prince William, who was among the over 40,000 people celebrating a historic evening.
Today, we (will) remember how we played, who we played, and the Champions League final from 42 years before. It was a special occasion.”
Morgan Rogers was playing in the Championship for Middlesbrough earlier this year, but Emery has shaped him into a player who is currently thriving in the Champions League.
Over four decades later, the German titans were left to lick their wounds again, on a night that will be long remembered in the Midlands.
