What Villarreal’s 1-0 win over Bayern Munich proves: 3 key takeaways

Bayern Munich had their undefeated away streak in the Champions League broken by Unai Emery’s Villarreal. The Yellow Submarine managed to defeat the German giants 1-0 in front of their home crowd, and have set up an exciting return leg in Bavaria. 

It was an inspired performance from the La Liga side that was able to defeat Julian Nagelsmann and his team. The visitors were unable to get things going and had a very difficult first half, especially after Arnaut Danjuma’s early goal. 

Goretzka and Davies can’t return any sooner 

Leon Goretzka made his return last weekend against Freiburg, and marked his comeback with a goal. He was brought on following the hour mark, but it was too late to change things up given the situation of the game. 

Davies returned to the starting line-up following his heart complications, but sat on the touchline at full-time touching his head. He had to be taken to the dressing room by the medical staff. But, they have assured that it was due to a knock he took and not due to his heart. 

Bayern Munich’s midfield needs more options 

Without the presence of Goretzka, Bayern Munich find it difficult to function as the same team. Jamal Musiala and Marcel Sabitzer have a different profile to the Germany international, and proper recruitment for backups would make it much easier to deal with injuries. 

Unai Emery proves himself again 

It was Emery that last beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League away from home, with PSG. And now, he has repeated the same with a near-perfect 1-0 win. The second leg will require the same determination from the players and possibly more goals to ensure that they pull off a sensational upset in the quarter finals.