Manuel Neuer’s unfortunate actions and those of his support team resulted in the first defeat for the new Coach Vincent Kompany with Bayern Munich. The record champions were disappointing against Aston Villa, with the match at Villa Park in Birmingham ending 1-0.
Just four days after a strong performance against champions Leverkusen (1-1), the German record champions faltered against the defensively solid English side, lacking the self-confidence that they usually display in the Bundesliga. Jhon Duran scored the winning goal for England with a lob over Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Following this second match, Munich found themselves in the middle of the table. For the English team, it was their second appearance ever in the Champions League.
Kimmich Defends Neuer: “They Often Benefit”
“We didn’t implement our game plan 100 percent, and we made too many mistakes,” Joshua Kimmich stated on DAZN. “Things weren’t perfect offensively, but we created some very good chances, and those opportunities were capitalized on.”
Kimmich refrained from criticizing Neuer, who often comes far out of goal, as he did in the decisive moment, which led to him being unable to retain possession of the ball: “We often benefit from his high position. Therefore, we don’t blame him.”
Kompany remarked: “We have to assess it objectively. In the last three or four games, we’ve faced maybe eight chances. That’s only eight in that time frame, which indicates that the players are performing well.” Regarding managing the load on his players—hence why he initially left Jamal Musiala out—he added: “My main concern is avoiding injuries. As long as we have these players and this depth, we will always have something valuable in our games. I have confidence in the team and the players, but they need to stay fit.”
FC Bayern: Musiala Not Starting
As mentioned, Kompany opted to rest his standout player Musiala at the start of the game in England: Instead, Kingsley Coman began the match, with Konrad Laimer taking Raphael Guerreiro’s place in defense on the right side.
Bayern started energetically from the whistle and earned their first corner in just 70 seconds. However, the two-time World Cup goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, standing in the Villa goal, had no trouble with that corner—and frankly, with all nine other corners taken by Bayern.
Despite dominating most of the game, Bayern failed to pose a significant goal threat. On the other hand, Aston Villa, managed by Basque tactician Unai Emery, gradually shook off Munich’s pressure and gained more control of the match.
Watkins’ Chance Sparks Aston Villa
English international Ollie Watkins quickly demonstrated that the Birmingham team was determined to compete against Bayern with a cross from the left by Lucas Digne. Watkins fiercely challenged Minjae Kim with a header but sent it over Bayern’s goal. However, by the time the home team had their first scoring opportunity, Bayern seemed to lose their rhythm.
Villa supporters erupted in cheers, reminiscent of 1982 when Aston Villa secured a 1-0 victory over Bayern in the European Champions Cup final: Following a yellow card issued to Dayot Upamecano, Digne was once again able to deliver a cross from the left flank.
The Bayern defense lost its composure completely, allowing Villa center-back Pau Torres to push forward and convert the ball over the line from close range after receiving the cross. While Villa Park celebrated, the goal was reviewed in the background, and the English team was ruled offside (23′).
After half an hour, Bayern appeared to have regained their footing: Aleksandar Pavlovic found Serge Gnabry with a perfect pass, but instead of passing to the unmarked Kane, Gnabry opted to shoot, only to fail, which frustrated Kane. Later, Michael Olise attempted a long shot, but the towering Martinez stretched to deflect the ball over the crossbar. By halftime, it was evident that Bayern’s offense required Jamal Musiala.
Musiala in the Second Half
Kompany brought the impressive midfielder into the game for the second half, and once again, the Munich team started with significant authority. However, the English team continued to defend resolutely. Despite controlling 68 percent of the ball, Bayern struggled to take the lead.
Deep into the second period, Munich faced a rude awakening: The “Lions” pushed forward quickly, and Pau Torres set Duran on his path. The Colombian noticed that Manuel Neuer was too far away from his penalty area and scored with a precise shot from about 30 meters.
Neuer rushed after the ball but could do nothing to stop it. British Prince William, whose favorite team is “AVFC,” joined around 48,000 Villa fans in celebrating.
Bayern’s Last Push
In the closing moments, Munich threw everything forward; Kompany substituted Mathys Tel, Leon Goretzka, and Thomas Müller onto the field. However, when Martinez again saved against Gnabry in stoppage time and Harry Kane, who struggled throughout the match, missed a free kick opportunity, Bayern’s first defeat under new coach Vincent Kompany was sealed.
An unfortunate action by Manuel Neuer and his back team left the new Coach Vincent Kompany with his first defeat at Bayern Munich. The record champions disappointed at Aston Villa. Wednesday’s game at Villa Park in Birmingham ended 1-0.
Four days after Munich’s strong performance against champions Leverkusen (1-1), the German record champions disappointed against the defensively minded Englishmen and severely lacked the self-image shown in the Bundesliga. Jhon Duran scored England’s winning goal with a lob over Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer.
After this second game, Munich slipped into the middle of the table. For the English, it was only their second appearance in the Champions League overall.
Kimmich defends Neuer: “They often benefit”
“We generally didn’t implement our game 100 percent and made a bit too many mistakes,” said Joshua Kimmich at DAZN. “Not everything was perfect going forward, but we had some very good chances, and they were 100 percent.”
Kimmich did not want to criticize Neuer, who initially – as is often the case – came far out of the goal in the decisive scene and was therefore unable to hold onto the ball that was passed over him: “We often benefit from the fact that he is so high. Accordingly, we don’t blame him.”
Kompany said: “We always have to look at it objectively. We’ve had maybe eight chances against us in the last three or four games. Only eight in three or four games. That means the boys are doing well.” Regarding managing the load on his players, which is why the Belgian initially did without Jamal Musiala, the coach said: “The main thing for me is that we don’t have any injuries. If we have these players and this bench, we will always have something good in the games. I have this confidence in the team and the players, but they have to be fit.”
FC Bayern: Musiala not from the start
As mentioned, Kompany gave his star pupil Musiala a break at the start of the game in England: Instead, Kingsley Coman was on the pitch from the start, with Konrad Laimer defending for Raphael Guerreiro at the back right.
Bayern started strongly from kick-off and won their first corner after just 70 seconds. However, the two-time world goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the Villa box had no problems with this and, to put it bluntly, with all nine of Bayern’s other corners.
Despite dominating the ball, Bayern did not develop a goal threat. In contrast, Aston Villa, coached by Unai Emery, freed themselves from Munich’s pressure and gained more and more shares of the game.
Watkins Chance Wakes Up Aston Villa
The English international Ollie Watkins quickly showed, after a cross from the left by Lucas Digne, that the team from Birmingham really wanted to play against Bayern: Watkins rustically beat Minjae Kim in the header but headed over the goal of the guests from Germany. By the time the home team had their first chance to score, Bayern had lost their thread.
The Villa supporters then cheered frenetically – reminiscent of 1982 when Aston Villa beat Bayern 1-0 in the final of the European Champions Cup: After a yellow card against Dayot Upamecano, Digne was able to cross again from the left.
The Bayern defense completely lost their bearings, Villa central defender Pau Torres, who had moved up, pounced on the ball and pushed it over the line from close range from the right. While Villa Park celebrated, the goal was checked in the background – and the English team was disallowed for offside (23′).
After half an hour, Bayern had somewhat recovered: Aleksandar Pavlovic served Serge Gnabry excellently, but instead of playing to the free Kane, Gnabry tried it himself and failed – inciting anger in Kane. Later, Michael Olise attempted from distance, but the giant Martinez reached over and directed the ball over the crossbar. By half-time, it was clear: Bayern’s offense needed Jamal Musiala.
Musiala in the Second Half of the Game
Kompany brought the brilliant midfielder into the second half of the game – and again the Munich team started with a lot of dominance. But once again, the English team defended consistently. Despite having 68 percent possession of the ball, Bayern was far from taking the lead.
Deep in the second period, Munich suffered disillusionment: The “Lions” quickly moved forward and Pau Torres sent Duran on his way. The Colombian saw that Manuel Neuer was far too far from his penalty area and beat the keeper with a precise shot from around 30 meters.
Neuer ran after the ball but had no chance. The British Prince William, whose favorite club is AVFC, also cheered with the approximately 48,000 Villa fans.
Bayern with Final Attack
Munich threw everything forward in the final phase, with Kompany substituting Mathys Tel, Leon Goretzka, and Thomas Müller. But when Martinez parried another shot against Gnabry in stoppage time and Harry Kane, who was indisposed that evening, failed with a free kick, Bayern’s first defeat under new coach Vincent Kompany was confirmed.
