Jhon Duran stunner seals dream Aston Villa win over Bayern Munich as Unai Emery equals impressive Jose Mourinho record
Jhon Duran was Aston Villa’s hero off the bench yet again as his sensational strike earned his side a famous 1-0 win over Bayern Munich.
With Prince William in attendance, the Villans striker produced a truly golden moment to etch himself into club folklore.
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Duran scored a dramatic winner against Bayern after coming off the benchCredit: GettyJust nine minutes after being brought on in the second half, the Colombia international caught goalkeeper Manuel Neuer off his line from range in what is Villa’s first goal in Europe’s premier club competition in 41 years.
Around 25 yards out from goal, the 20-year-old curled home a sumptuous strike over the retired Germany international to send Villa Park into delirium.
It was his sixth goal of the season in all competitions – and fifth off the bench.
READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAlong with his 79th minute strike against Bayern, he has also scored the winner in Villa’s Premier League clashes against West Ham, Leicester and Everton, while also finding the back of the net against Wolves.
In his ninth outing this campaign, Duran is incredibly averaging a goal every 48 minutes.
As for boss Unai Emery, the Spaniard has equalled Jose Mourinho’s record of beating the Bundesliga giants with three different clubs – the Portuguese doing so with Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
The former Arsenal manager has tasted victory over Bayern while previously being at the helm of Paris Saint-Germain and Villarreal.
Emery’s tactical masterclass has also seen Bayern’s 41-game unbeaten run in the group stage/league phase of the Champions League come to an end.
The run stretches back to September 2017, where it was Emery’s PSG who emerged as 3-0 winners at Parc des Princes.
But more importantly, it sees Villa picking up two wins from as many games in the revamped competition.
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Duran took aim from distance, and reaped the rewards from doing soCredit: AFP
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He was quickly mobbed by his jubilant Villa teammatesCredit: Getty
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Even Prince William was up on his feet to celebrate Duran’s wonder goalCredit: AFPAs for Bayern, they drew a surprise blank despite winning 9-2 last time out against Dinamo Zagreb in their opening match.
It’s now back-to-back victories for Villa against Bayern following their famous clash 42 years ago.
That match also ended 1-0 to the Midlands outfit, with Peter Withe scoring the only goal in the 1982 European Cup final.
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It was an end-to-end encounter on Wednesday night, with Villa defender Pau Torres having a first half goal ruled out for offside by VAR.
Meanwhile Emiliano Martinez made a handful of spectacular saves to deny the visitors from breaking the deadlock, before keeping out Serge Gnabry’s strike in the closing stages.
And speaking to TNT Sports following the full-time whistle, the 2022 World Cup winner said: “It’s unreal to be fair.
“This is the loudest Villa Park that I’ve heard since I joined the club, that’s for sure, it was hurting my ears at some point.
“It’s a club that is moving forward. It’s the main reason why I stay in this football club. I love playing here, I love the fans, this is a win for them.”
Read More on talkSPORTOn match-winner Duran, he remarked: “He came back with a different mentality this season.
“He’s willing to work hard, he’s pushing Ollie [Watkins] all the way, they can play together he’s a super sub, the first time he touched the ball, he lobbed Neuer, one of the best goals in history.”
