Aston Villa player ratings vs Bayern Munich - as one player scores perfect 10/10

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Jhon Duran scored an audacious lob off the bench to earn Aston Villa a surreal 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich, continuing the dream start to the Champions League campaign.

Villa fans were treated to an absolute spectacle under the lights at Villa Park as Unai Emery’s side became the first team to beat Bayern in the Champions League group stage or league phase since 2017. The opponent that day? Emery’s Paris Saint-Germain.

Many special nights were had in the Europa Conference League last season, but nothing to this magnitude. Taking on Bayern, the team Villa famously beat to clinch the European Cup crown in 1982, was a glorious thought enough. To share the same, elite stage as them yet again - even more so. To beat the 32-time German champions? You’ve got to be kidding.

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Villans would be forgiven for genuinely thinking they’re dreaming after that. Duran is the man of the moment once again - and he’ll rightfully clinch the plaudits for the sheer audacity to chip one of the world’s best in Neuer - but the professional team display from start to finish was a joy to behold.

Bayern looked a real threat in the opening exchanges as they utilised their pace on the flanks to pile on early pressure. Villa were trapped in their own defensive third for much of the first 10 minutes, but Unai Emery’s men eventually settled their nerves to venture out and cause trouble themselves.

Pau Torres thought he’d handed the hosts a dream lead in the 24th minute when he poked the ball into the net from close range, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR check. The jubilation lasted a good minute before replays showed Jacob Ramsey had strayed offside in the build-up.

Villa had just started to up the ante before their disallowed goal, causing serious problems for Dayet Upamecano and Kim Minjae with runs in behind. Bayern still looked a threat, though, and Michael Olise sent a stark reminder of that fact. The former Crystal Palace man worked a yard of space and struck an excellent curler toward the far top corner, but Emiliano Martinez delivered just as strong a save, acrobatically tipping the ball over the crossbar.

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Bayern, lifted by the introduction of Jamal Musiala off the bench, started their second period as they did the first - on the front foot and determined to force an opening. Vincent Kompany’s side took complete control of possession but Villa dropped in to form a mid-block, rarely affording any space in behind. That trend continued for a lengthy period as opportunities dried up for both teams.

But then - out of nowhere - Villa took the lead in unbelievable fashion. It was yet another moment of absolute genius from Duran as the Colombian displayed immense quality to lob Neuer from 25 yards. Torres’ through ball was inch perfect to set up Duran but the striker still had it all to do as he judged the bounce of the ball perfectly and lifted it over Neuer to find the near corner.

Jhon Duran's outrageous lob over Manuel Neuer earned Aston Villa a famous 1-0 win over Bayern Munich at Villa Park.Jhon Duran's outrageous lob over Manuel Neuer earned Aston Villa a famous 1-0 win over Bayern Munich at Villa Park.
Jhon Duran's outrageous lob over Manuel Neuer earned Aston Villa a famous 1-0 win over Bayern Munich at Villa Park. | Getty Images

The job wasn’t done yet, though, as Bayern were hurt and looked more determined than ever to score. Villa had to maintain optimum focus and did superbly in doing so, with Martinez’s world-class shot-stopping ability put to the test twice at the death.

The first came as Serge Gnabry sprinted onto a low cross and stabbed the ball toward goal, but Villa’s goalkeeper made himself big to smother it away. Martinez then an even more impressive save to make as he somehow keep out a Harry Kane header, adjusting his feet expertly before diving acrobatically to his left to palm the ball away.

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Villa Park erupted when the final whistle sounded, and understandably so given just how much it means. The big European nights are finally back - and in style.

Player ratings

Emiliano Martinez - 10

Made two absolutely world-class saves at the end to deny Gnabry and Kane, further solidifying himself as one of the world’s very best. Made an excellent diving stop to deny Olise a stunner in the first half, too, and commanded his area brilliantly throughout.

Ezri Konsa - 8

Had the tricky job of standing up to the likes of Davies, Musiala and Kane but did an outstanding job. Rarely beaten for pace or skill as he anticipated passes and attacking movements at the highest level.

Diego Carlos - 7.5

Stepped up a great deal from the poor performance at Ipswich as he defended resolutely in the centre. A great response.

Pau Torres - 9

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Assisted Duran’s winner with an outstanding pass into the channel. It was deserved as he played out from the back with great composure all game long. Hardly looked fazed by Kane for most of the game, too. Unlucky to see his goal ruled out in the first half as he showed good composure to poke the ball home.

Lucas Digne - 7.5

Hardly gave Olise or Sane a yard to work with, showing the wingers wide whenever he could. Always looked to pass forward when there was enough space. Teed up an excellent cross for Watkins in the opening quarter of an hour.

Amadou Onana - 7 (off 60’)

Used his physicality effectively to help Villa match Bayern in the midfield battle for much of the first half. Had to sit a little deeper and break up the play at the beginning of the second 45 before going off with a knock.

Youri Tielemans - 7.5

Not able to dictate the play as much as he would’ve liked but played the odd impressive forward pass. Did a lot of the dirty work, getting Villa out of trouble in tight spaces with quick thinking and agility on the half-turn.

Jacob Ramsey - 6 (off 27’)

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Wasn’t able to make much of an impact before he was forced off with a groin issue.

Jaden Philogene - 7.5

Confident on the ball to take on his man, often finding space down the byline. Did his defensive duties superbly, chopping in to win back possession countless times. Teed up Torres brilliantly for the disallowed goal.

Morgan Rogers - 7.5

Continued his fine form with another all-action display just behind Watkins as he looked a threat every time he carried the ball forward.

Ollie Watkins - 7 (off 70’)

Displayed top intelligence with his movement and proved to be a menace for Upamecano and Kim to deal with. Had a decent chance early on as he saw a header blocked at the far post. Let down a little by his decision making during build-up play, however.

Leon Bailey - 5 (on 27’, off 60’)

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Never quite met the high intensity of the clash as he let several first touches get away from him. Kept running into trouble and didn’t seem his usual self at all. Looked like he may have even been carrying a knock - and he was taken back off again.

Ian Maatsen - 7 (on 60’)

Worked hard to press and push Villa up as much as possible when in the mid-block.

Ross Barkley - 7 (on 60’)

Dug in to defend and dribble Villa out of trouble when Bayern pushed for an equaliser.

Jhon Duran - 9 (on 70’)

There aren’t many superlatives left to describe this man. The scorer of the sublime winner, Duran is simply unstoppable off the bench. Neuer will be having nightmares for a long time over that goal, it was sublime! Won his fair shares of aerial duels for good measure, too.

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