Villarreal advances to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after defeating Bayern Munich.

Joy Anne Dela Pena April 13, 2022May 6, 2023

On Tuesday, Villarreal eliminated Bayern Munich from the Champions League. The Spaniards has held to a 1-1 tie in the second leg at the Allianz Arena due to Samuel Chukwueze’s 88th-minute goal. They advanced 2-1 on aggregate in the quarter-final match. Bayern Munich took the lead for the first time in the night, trying to tie. However, the extra time loomed after Villarreal’s 1-0 first-leg victory, and suddenly Chukwueze struck. Villarreal’s amazing European run continues under Unai Emery. In the last 16, he also surprised Juventus with a 3-0 victory in Turin.

Villarreal captain Raul Albiol, 36, who have named man-of-the-match in Munich, said, “We have suffered against Juventus, we suffered against Bayern, but we are now in the semi-finals.” “Now we have the opportunity to dream of going much further,” also said.

For the first time since 2006, Villarreal has advanced to the semi-finals. In the last four, they will face either Liverpool or Benfica. The English team leads 3-1 going into the second game at Anfield on Wednesday. Bayern Munich will leave the Champions League in the quarter-finals. For the second year in a row as a result of this defeat.

Bayern Munich forward Thomas Mueller stated, “It’s extremely bitter because we conceded a goal despite our performance.”

Also, said the coach, “We pressed, pressed, pressed, and there was no chance we were conceding a goal.”

Villarreal’s defense took all Bayern offered at them. Except for Lewandowski’s goal early in the second half. Bayern Munich had a heartbreaking night. He controlled for most of the game until Chukwueze came in and scored just four minutes later.

Bayern got out to a quick start, but Villarreal’s defense was ready for anything. While Julian Nagelsmann, the home coach, switched to a three-man defense rather than a back four. read more.

Returning to Villarreal’s pinned back.

Villarreal was pinned in their half for most of the first half. Also, Benjamin Pavard, Dayot Upamecano, and Lucas Hernandez dictated play from the back. Despite their dominance of possession, Bayern’s only clear chance in a goalless first half came. It’s from Jamal Musiala’s header straight at Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli. The game’s first booking was given to Lewandowski, who was mostly well marshaled. Throughout the game, Villarreal’s defense four worked diligently, but left-back Pervis Estupinan had an active first half. Leroy Sane was also frequently probing the flank. In the 52nd minute, Bayern eventually broke the deadlock. A stray pass from the defense only reached Kingsley Coman, who pushed the ball to Mueller.

However, the ball had slipped into Lewandowski’s path. He got his shot past two defenders as well as Rulli, who was diving. Also, to celebrate his 13th goal in ten Champions League games. This season, the Poland striker let forth a primal scream. Mueller came close with a diving header as Bayern maintained the pressure. When Coman fired over shortly after, he had left with his head in his hands.

Nagelsmann brought on some fresh legs in the hopes of scoring a game-winning second goal, bringing on Serge Gnabry and Alphonso Davies for only 90 minutes. Gerard Moreno’s breakdown on the left side startled Villarreal’s home fans. Chukwueze sent a low cross flying over Neuer, allowing the Spaniards to advance.

link to original source of image: elperiodicomediterraneo.com