Emiliano Martínez revealed that Aston Villa had specifically targeted Manuel Neuer's sweeper-keeper tendencies after Jhon Durán lobbed the Bayern Munich goalkeeper to secure a memorable Champions League victory. Durán, who came on as a substitute for Ollie Watkins, scored a brilliant late winner to defeat the six-time champions by a single goal, mirroring Villa's iconic 1982 European Cup final triumph against the same team in Rotterdam.
Martínez, who made a crucial save in second-half stoppage time to deny Harry Kane an equaliser, stated that manager Unai Emery had shown the team numerous clips of Bayern's captain positioning himself high up the pitch. "In our analysis of Bayern, we were keenly aware of how Neuer's position is usually very high," Martínez explained. "I knew how Durán would shoot because he had this possibility in mind with Neuer."
Martínez lauded Durán, who has scored five goals as a substitute this season, including decisive strikes against West Ham, Everton, and Leicester. "He returned this season with a different mindset," Martínez said. "He's eager to work hard and is pushing Ollie all the way. They can play together, and he's a fantastic substitute. The first time he touched the ball, he lobbed Neuer, one of the greatest goalkeepers in history."
Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers also praised Durán, saying: "When I joined the club, I had no idea he was just 20. The way he plays, he's a real challenge for defenders when he comes on with all that energy. He knows he'll get a chance and backs himself 100%. Every game is the same for him; he's the most relaxed, chilled person I've ever met. But on the field, he's a different beast."
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany explained that Jamal Musiala did not start the match due to an issue reported after last Sunday's draw with Bayer Leverkusen. "We had great chances but couldn't score, which is part of football," Kompany said. "It's a bitter pill to swallow, but of course, this defeat won't be decisive for our Champions League campaign. We just need to keep working hard to ensure our success."
