Villareal beat Bayern in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie thanks to a well-taken goal from Arnaut Danjuma. The Spanish team could and should have won by a larger margin after dominating one of the best teams in the world for 90 minutes, but have missed far too many chances. Bayern, on the other hand, seemed untypically quiet and will have to play much better in the return game.Danjuma spoke to The Guardian before the match and said something that many would roll their eyes at. But you’d probably leave him alone after he scored a great poacher’s goal to put Villareal 1-0 ahead.”If we look at what I’ve done this season it’s quite fair and factual to say I’m among the best wingers in the world.”The former Bournemouth forward remained just onside to divert a Dani Parejo effort just enough to beat Manuel Neuer. But the credit should also go to Giovani Lo Celso and Gerard Moreno who started the move. It was a lovely team goal.The Yellow Submarine fans thought they’d gone 2-0 in front after Francis Coquelan’s fluked cross ended up in Neuer’s net, but the Germans’ blushes were spared after a video review that showed that there was an offside in the build-up. It was a timely warning for Bayern, who have enjoyed most of the possession, but were looking unable to make their domination into goals.
Emery’s men were lucky to remain in front after Serge Gnabry, and Alphonso Davies came close. However, the Spanish team played with real fire and determination, and they went out to attack in search of another goal. Their talisman striker Gerard Moreno unleashed a swerving left-footer that bounced off Neuer’s right-hand post.Villareal were attacking and missing chance after chance. Danjuma, Alfonso Pedraza and Gerard came close to finishing the Germans, but the experienced visitors somehow stayed in the game. With every missed chance, you’d feel that Emery’s wasteful team would get punished.But they survived and will carry a slender lead to Munich. UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUEQuarter-final, first legTuesdayManchester City – Atletico Madrid 1-0 (0-0)/De Bruyne 70/Benfica – Liverpool 1-3 (0-2)/Nunez 49 – Konate 17, Mane 34, Diaz 87/WednesdayChelsea – Real Madrid 1-3 (1-2)/Havertz 40 – Benzema 21, 24, 46/Villareal – Bayern 1-0 (1-0)/Danjuma 8/