Stunner Jhon Duran ensures Aston Villa stuns Bayern Munich

Aston Villa beat Bayern Munich 1-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday thanks to a brilliant late strike from Jhon Durán as the hosts celebrated their first home game in Europe’s elite club competition in 41 years in style.

While the Bundesliga side dominated possession but wasted chances, Duran ran to a high ball in the 79th minute, spotted goalkeeper Manuel Neuer outside his line and fired the ball over him, sending Villa Park into delirium.

It was Duran’s fifth goal as a substitute this season.

The victory was a reminder of one of Villa’s greatest days when they beat Bayern to win the European Cup in 1982.

Duran’s goal came against the run of play as Bayern had two-thirds possession and the best chances, but Villa’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was at his best.

In the first half, the Argentina international brilliantly saved a header from Harry Kane, although the striker was later ruled offside, and then deflected a shot from Michael Olise.

As Bayern pushed for an equalizer, Martinez dived athletically to stop a header from Kane.

“It’s unreal. It is an evening that we will remember for a long time. “It’s a statement,” said Martinez, praising the atmosphere. “It hurt my ears. This is a club that is evolving. I love playing here. I love the fans.”

The result gave Villa two wins out of two in the new league phase of the 36-team Champions League, while Bayern have started their season with one win and one loss.

Before Duran scored the winner, Villa thought they had taken the lead and made Bayern pay for missed chances in the first half when Pau Torres struck during a scuffle in front of goal. However, his attempt was disallowed due to an earlier offside position by teammate Jacob Ramsey.

Serge Gnabry also shone as he hit the target while Kane waited in space for a pass and an easy chance.