The first half of the game could be best described in two words; resilient and relentless. Bayern Munich were relentless as they sought an equaliser in the tie.

The German team spent most of the first 45 minutes in the Villareal half, notching up 64% possession. Bayern also had eight shots, but only one on target during the first half.

Villareal were resilient as every player got behind the ball whenever they could. The Yellow Submarine’s defence was impenetrable, frustrating the German side constantly. Villareal players also killed as much time as they could during the half, staying down longer than normal, or taking their time over set-pieces. Boos rang out from the stadiums often whenever this happened, as Bayern fans voiced their disapproval.

The second half was much like the first as Bayern pushed forward. They were eventually rewarded for their efforts when their talisman striker, Robert Lewandowski, got onto the scoresheet. Lewandowski has now scored 13 goals in 10 games in this season’s Champions League.

Spurred on by their fan base, Bayern continued to press forward in search of a winner. Villareal never seemed to settle in the game even after going a goal down. Thomas Muller had the best chance to put Bayern ahead but headed wide from close range in the 70th minute. Arnaut Danjuma, Villareal’s hero of the first leg, had their best chance to win the tie in the second half but dragged his shot wide.

With time ticking down and the game seemingly headed to extra time, Samuel Chukwueze broke Bayern hearts. The Nigerian player, who had just come on as a sub, scored a dramatic later goal to level the game at 1-1. The goal though gave Villareal a 2-1 advantage on aggregate, a lead they would hold until the end of the game.

Source: SportsBrief

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