MY ACCOUNT
KSamuel Chukwueze struck a dramatic decisive late goal as Villarreal secured a 2-1 aggregate victory that sent Bayern Munich crashing out of the Champions League.
The Nigeria international climbed off the bench to make it 1-1 on the night two minutes from time in the second leg at the Allianz Arena to send the Yellow Submarine through to their first semi-final since the 2005-06 season.
Robert Lewandowski had levelled the tie early in the second half with his 13th Champions League goal of the campaign.
But there was a dramatic twist, as Chukwueze ensured Unai Emery would not be prevented from progressing beyond the last eight of this competition for the first time in his managerial career.
Bayern, who had been eliminated in each of their past five Champions League knockout ties after losing the opening leg, quickly assumed dominance in possession as they looked to overturn the deficit.
But the Bundesliga leaders struggled to break down a disciplined Villarreal side and the Bavarian giants’ only attempt on target in the first half came when Jamal Musiala headed straight at Geronimo Rulli from Leon Goretzka’s cross.
Bayern maintained their pressure after the break, and they were rewarded when Lewandowski was on target in the 52nd minute; drilling home off the post after Dani Parejo conceded possession in a dangerous area.
Thomas Muller squandered a couple of decent opportunities to put Julian Nagelsman’s side in front, the Germany international fireing over from Goretza’s centre before heading a Leroy Sane cross wide.
Bayern were left to rue those misses in the closing stages, when the Europa League holders launched a devastating counter with Giovanni Lo Celso prodding the ball through for Gerard Moreno, who squared for Chukwueze to clinically tuck away.
What does it mean? Bayern stunned
The Bundesliga champions were eliminated in the quarter-finals for the second season running, having fallen to Paris Saint-Germain at this stage last year.
It is only the third time in 11 attempts that the Bayern have failed to progress from a last-eight tie in Europe’s premier competition.
Villarreal will face either Liverpool or Benfica for a place in the final after defying the odds to reach the last four.
Chukwueze the hero
Chukwueze replaced Francis Coquelin for the final six minutes as Villarreal looked to stave off Bayern’s late pressure.
The 22-year-old only had three touches of the ball, but the most crucial one was a wonderful first-time finish to send his side through.
Missed Muller chances proved costly
Muller generally impacted the second leg in a positive manner; assisting Lewandowski’s goal and conceding possession just seven times – the fewest by any Bayern outfield player.
However, Muller has now only scored once in 11 appearances and his lack of confidence in front of goal was evident when he squandered two opportunities – most notably heading wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Key Opta facts
– Bayern failed to win back-to-back Champions League games for the first time since their last 16 tie against Liverpool in the 2018-19 season, when they drew 0-0 at Anfield and slumped to a 3-1 home defeat.
– Chukwueze’s goal was the fifth scored by a substitute for Villarreal in this season’s Champions League, no side has had more (Manchester City also five).
– Lewandowski became just the third player to score 30 goals in the knockout stages of the Champions League after Cristiano Ronaldo (67) and Lionel Messi (49).
– Only four players have provided more Champions League assists than Muller (23) since he made his debut in the competition in March 2009, with seven of his past 14 assists setting up Lewandowski.
What’s next?
Bayern resume their quest for a 10th successive Bundesliga title on Sunday, when they travel to Arminia Bielefeld. Villarreal are back in LaLiga action away at Getafe on Saturday.
