Fortune eluded Villarreal when they were paired with Bayern Munich in the quarter-final draw. He had to dance against one of the most powerful teams in the world, with a Lewandowski who drops goals and with a wall like Neuer under the sticks. But in the small town of Vila-real they entrusted themselves to La Cerámica and to the European legend of their coach, Unai Emery, enlarged after one (another) night for history.
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Because the ‘yellow submarine’ not only remains afloat after the first challenge, but in many moments it went over the almighty Bayern. And he did it largely due to the work of his coach, who was celebrating 50 games in the Champions League today and has not yet lost a single European tie since he was at the helm of Villarreal.
The ‘groguet’ team jumped onto the field well planted, occupying all the spaces so as not to leave a gap for Bayern’s fast attackers. Throughout the first half, the German team did not find their usual game at any time, already a victory for Villarreal, who despite this did not settle.
Emery had also consciously prepared how to attack the German champion. The yellow footballers always knew how to find where the spaces left by Bayern in defense were and attack to do damage against Neuer.
Gerard falling to the band, Lo Celso moving between the lines and accelerating when he should and Parejo joining from the second line. Also Danjuma, giving depth and grazing a Parejo shot to break the bench.
Emery was also successful in the changes, providing oxygen when he should and correcting positions against a Bayern that grew in the second half. Despite this, he never forgot to attack, although he lacked a bit of aim to face the return leg in Munich with a higher lead.
Since his arrival, Villarreal have not lost a European tie. Will the legend remain next Tuesday?