Bayern Munich’s unbeaten run in the Champions League group stage, which dated back to 2017, was brought to a halt by a resolute Aston Villa side on Wednesday. The 1-0 victory at Villa Park marked a significant moment in Villa’s European revival under Unai Emery, hinting at the start of a new era of continental success for the Midlands club.
The occasion brought back memories of Villa’s greatest triumph, the 1982 European Cup win over Bayern, as they played their first home match in the competition for 41 years. Aston Villa’s fortunes have dramatically improved since Emery’s arrival, with the club rising from relegation battles in the Premier League to a top-four finish last season.
Two games into their first-ever Champions League campaign, Villa are among just seven teams with maximum points. Notably, Bayern’s last group stage defeat was also at the hands of Emery, then in charge of Paris Saint-Germain.
While Emery’s stints with PSG and Arsenal ended in disappointment, his ability to elevate clubs on the European stage has been undeniable. The Spaniard guided Sevilla to three consecutive Europa League titles and later secured Villarreal’s first-ever major trophy with a Europa League win in 2021. A season later, Villarreal reached the Champions League semi-finals, defeating Juventus and Bayern along the way.
Now, Aston Villa are reaping the rewards of Emery’s tactical genius and his skill in transforming players like Jhon Duran, who scored the winning goal after coming off the bench. The Colombian forward’s perfectly timed lob over Manuel Neuer sealed the victory, taking his goal tally for the season to five.
Villa’s defensive structure proved impenetrable, and Emi Martinez made crucial saves to deny Bayern in the dying moments. Martinez, a World Cup winner with Argentina, hailed the victory as a “statement” but cautioned that the journey was far from over.
Even Prince William, a lifelong Villa supporter, was in the crowd to witness the famous night, meeting Emery after the match to offer his congratulations.
In 1982, Bayern icons like Paul Breitner and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge were shocked by Villa’s underdogs. Over four decades later, the German giants were once again left to rue a night to forget in the Midlands.