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Unai Emery says Aston Villa targeted Manuel Neuer in triumph over Bayern | Aston Villa

Unai Emery says Aston Villa targeted Manuel Neuer in triumph over Bayern | Aston Villa

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Unai Emery said Aston Villa targeted Manuel Neuer's sweeping goalkeeping habits after Jhon Durán bowled the Bayern Munich goalkeeper to record a famous Champions League win.

Durán, coming on as a substitute in place of Ollie Watkins, scored a superb late winner to beat the six-time winners by just one goal, a replica of their 1982 European Cup final triumph against the same team in Rotterdam.

Emiliano Martínez, who made an excellent save in second-half stoppage time to deny Harry Kane's header equalizer, said coach Unai Emery had shown his players various shots of the Bayern captain positioning himself high up the pitch.

“In the analysis we did about them (Bayern), we were aware that we talked a lot about how Neuer's position is usually always high,” confirmed the Villa manager. “I knew how he (Durán) would shoot because he had that possibility in his head with Neuer.”

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Martínez praised super substitute Durán, who has scored five goals off the bench this season, including winners against West Ham, Everton and Leicester. “He has come back this season with a different mentality,” said the Villa goalkeeper. “He's willing to work hard, he pushes Ollie all the way, they can play together, he's a great substitute, the first time he touched the ball he threw Neuer, one of the best goalkeepers in history.”

Villa striker Morgan Rogers added of Durán: “When I came to the club I had no idea he was 20 years old. His style of play makes him a real challenge for defenders when he comes into the game with so much energy.” He knows he will get this chance and is behind him 100%. Every game is exactly the same; He is the most relaxed and laid-back person I have ever met. He’s a different animal when he plays.”

Vincent Kompany, the Bayern coach, said Jamal Musiala did not start the game because he reported a problem after last Sunday's draw against Bayer Leverkusen. “We had great chances but couldn’t score a goal, that’s football,” said Kompany. “It is bitter, but of course it (the defeat) will not be decisive for the outcome of our Champions League. We just have to keep working to ensure we are successful.”

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