The future King of England, Prince William, did not quietly go away into the night.
“I lost my voice,” he said. “I can't believe it at all – 42 years…”
Aston Villa supporters began to be removed from the stadium, even though no one wanted to move. Villa Park were still drinking in the sight of John Duran's stunning finish, but it was clearly the moment that gave the club its best night in 42 years – at Bayern Munich. This was after winning the European Cup final against the same opponents and by the same goal. The score line is 0.
“A vacation home until I die,'' he shouted. Flags, now famous souvenirs, were waved happily. Emiliano Martinez completed his heroic act with a time-stopping save at the end and kissed his badge. The roar that grew by decibels each time Duran's lob passed over Manuel Neuer was like a thud down your throat. It sounded almost unbelievable, and it was a recognition that the astonishing goal demonstrated Villa's incredible growth under Unai Emery.
Prince William pumps his fist after Villa's victory (James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Less than two years ago, Villa were outside the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference. They had just defeated Bayern at home in the Champions League. Emery has spoken of creating memories “just like that great generation did in 1982” and under his leadership Villa continue to break new ground. There was a noticeable sense of haphazardness, but Emery has long preached that Villa needed to prove themselves worthy on the biggest stage. And they did.
“The whole night was special,” Morgan Rogers said. The Athletic rear. “Going out into that atmosphere, I've never experienced anything like this before. I'll never forget it.”
“It's the loudest I've ever heard at Villa Park,” Martinez told TNT Sports. “Sometimes my ears hurt.”
As you walk along Holte Street, you will see a newly painted mural. Naturally, Emery is at the forefront, but there he is, with his '82 victory and Peter With, wearing white and scoring that night in Rotterdam, with his hands in the air and his feet off the ground. There is a mention of that. Years from now, the sight of Duran clenching his fists and roaring will be synonymous with Bayern's second victory.
Villa Park was buzzing all night, apart from the moments leading up to Duran's goal. Supporters, perhaps unconsciously, were starting to get nervous knowing that time was passing and their teams could end up in a draw. The only other time the atmosphere quieted down was when the stadium fell silent for the Champions League national anthem before kick-off, as if to give all fans time to absorb the grandeur. Fireworks were set off and a large tifo was hung at the Holte End. A 30-metre banner reading “Every Hero is a Villain'' was unfurled beneath the stands.
even deeper
Understanding Aston Villa's John Duran – 'Nothing given to him was free'
Duran has been described as “a little crazy” by his teammates, but few doubt his immense talent. His goal, his fifth as a substitute this season, was the culmination of all those qualities, from the sheer belief in lobbing at the most famous goalkeeper in modern football to the actual skill to pull it off. It was. He was brought on in the 70th minute after Ollie Watkins engaged in a running battle with Dayot Upamecano, with manager Emery recognizing that Duran's speed, power and natural courage could make the difference.
Martínez started moving, Pau Torres played a pass with his left foot, and Duran was on Upamecano's shoulder.
What did we just witness?
Did John Duran deliver exactly the moment of the night?! 😮💨
📺 See @tntsports and @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/laAj5FwErX
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 2, 2024
Super-sub John Duran puts Villa ahead from distance against Bayern 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Dn53Tsg55Y
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 2, 2024
Curiously, just as both teams entered the second half, Villa's personal performance coach Antonio Rodríguez Sarabia had a deep conversation with Watkins, instructing him on the exact moves that Duran would eventually make. .
Sarabia tapped Watkins to get his attention, then cited an example of him arching his body and curving from right to left, as if sprinting outside the central defender.
Duran had little time to prepare himself, but he tried anyway. The Colombian striker later told US broadcaster CBS Sports that he did not see Neuer sidelined, which could be a sign of his instinctive nature, or that he had not seen him in a morning analysis session. He recalled some of the observations given to him.
“John is on fire,” Martinez told TNT. “He's a super sub. With his first touch he lobbed Neuer, one of the best keepers of all time. We know Neuer plays high and with the manager I watched a lot of movies – an hour and a half this morning.”
Martinez blew a kiss to a Villa fan after his late heroics (Michael Steele/Getty Images)
“In our analysis, we were talking about Neuer's positioning. He was always high up,” Emery said. “I talked to my assistant coach about the way he (Duran) shoots, because he had that potential in his head. He scored a similar goal against Hibernian last year. Pau Torres made a similar pass and at that moment fired a shot at the keeper. This time he just shot. ”
A day earlier, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany was asked about Villa's main strengths. Kompany identified a compact defensive structure and a threat in transition.
Rodgers was a threat throughout on the counter (Michael Steele/Getty Images)
It was strange, therefore, that Bayern seemed content to allow Watkins, and then Duran, constant one-on-one battles with Upamecano, forcing so many players into high areas. Villa knew they had limited possession but were content to keep up their game, closing the distance between their lines and, when they won back, played a few short, quick passes to exploit the sea of space left in transition. I plunged into it.
“We knew they were going to have more possession, so it was about trying to attack them on the counter,” Rodgers told TNT. “The aim was to get them the ball in certain areas, but when the ball was in midfield we had to respond. ”
The only surprise in Villa's line-up was Jayden Philozine making his first start since returning in the summer. The players had trained at 5pm the day before, but most didn't let their teams know until the afternoon of the game, with some excitedly calling their families or agents. However, given the magnitude of the task, Philogene, who played for Hull City in the Championship last season, was told early on.
“I realized I was going to start yesterday,” he said. “Leon Bailey got injured in training and he (Emery) took me into his office. He asked me how I was feeling and I said, 'Yeah, I feel good.' , he said, “Don't worry, it starts tomorrow.'' I wasn't nervous. I just wanted to play soccer. Unai just told me to play my game and gave me instructions. ”
Villa's analysis sessions are exhaustive and often long. It's certainly boring, but the sheer breadth of detail Emery gives his players demands complete concentration and buy-in. Duran's finish was an example of why players remain enamored with Emery. That's because there is continued evidence that his coaching and analysis led to success.
“We had two meetings today. We're used to that. That's why we win games,” Rodgers said. “We go through everything. We know the characteristics of each player.”
“He's very demanding, very focused and knows what he wants,” Watkins said. “You often hear about professionals working hard and being extras, and it's the same for him. He arrives early and leaves late.”
The explosion that accompanied Duran's goal and the final whistle was a spine-tingling sound that pierced the hearts of Villa supporters. It was a night and a goal worthy of Villa's incredible transformation.
(Top photo: Duran and Lucas Digne celebrating against Bayern. David Davies/PA Images via Getty Images)
