Villa beat Bayern 1-0 thanks to late Duran goal

BIRMINGHAM, England : Aston Villa beat Bayern Munich 1-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday thanks to a brilliant late Jhon Duran goal as the hosts celebrated in style their first home game in Europe’s elite club competition for 41 years.

With the Germans dominating possession but squandering chances, Duran ran onto a high ball in the 79th minute, spotted goalkeeper Manuel Neuer off his line, and scooped the ball over him to send Villa Park into delirium.

It was Duran's fifth goal as a substitute this season.

The win was a throwback to one of Villa's most glorious days when they beat Bayern Munich to lift the European Cup in 1982.

Duran's goal came against the run of play after Bayern had enjoyed two thirds of possession and the best chances in both teams' second fixture of the new 36-team league phase of the Champions League.

In the first half, Villa's World Cup-winning Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved a Harry Kane bullet header brilliantly, though the striker was later ruled offside, then tipped over a shot from Michael Olise.