By Sulaimon Jamiu
Underdogs Villarreal scored an 88th-minute equaliser through substitute Samuel Chukwueze to snatch a stunning 1-1 draw at Bayern Munich and advance to the Champions League semi-finals.
The Nigerian forward netted a sensational breakaway goal to send the Spanish side into the next round of the tournament at the expense of six-time European champions Bayern Munich that gave them a 2-1 aggregate victory.
The game looked to be heading for extra time after Villarreal had put in a defensive masterclass to frustrate Bayern in front of their own fans but Chukwueze’s 88th-minute strike earned Unai Emery’s team a last four showdown with Liverpool or Benfica.
Julian Nagelsmann set up his team to attack with Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman at wing-back and Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller and Jamal Musiala forming an forward trident but they couldn’t break down Villarreal’s defence.
Unai Emery’s men left no space for Bayern to create meaningful opportunities and the Champions League’s top goal scorers this campaign were reduced to one shot on target in a first half that also saw Lewandowski cautioned for a late challenge on Raul Albiol.
Bayern started the second half with greater intensity and were on level terms on 52 minutes when they won the ball high up the pitch and, with Villarreal’s players out of position, Lewandowski shot home from the edge of the box to equalise.
Normal service resumed shortly after with Bayern looking blunt in front of goal and struggling to create meaningful openings. The game looked set to head for 30 minutes of extra-time before Chukwueze, who only entered the pitch in the 84th minute, finished past Manuel Neuer from close range to settle the game in Villarreal’s favour.
This win means that Villarreal will face the winner of Wednesday’s clash between Liverpool and Benfica in the last four of the competition.
