Off-colour Bayern fall to Villarreal

FC Bayern fell to a 1-0 defeat to Villarreal in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday night. Arnaut Danjuma put the Spaniards in front early in the first half. FCB created a string of chances in the second half but another goal refused to come, and Julian Nagelsmann's men now have a deficit to overturn in next week's second leg.

The Bavarians lined up with Manuel Neuer in goal and Benjamin Pavard, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Hernández and Alphonso Davies in defence. Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala anchored a midfield featuring Kingsley Coman, Thomas Müller and Serge Gnabry, with Robert Lewandowski up front. Leon Goretzka, Leroy Sané and Niklas Süle took over from Müller, Gnabry and Pavard in the second half, with Marc Roca coming on for Goretzka in the closing stages.

Early setback

Once referee Anthony Taylor had set events in motion, Bayern started on the front foot, Kimmich seeing a shot blocked and Pavard firing over, but Danjuma handed the hosts the lead when he diverted a Parejo effort into the net. Chances were few and far between, with Villarreal skilfully closing down the space, and Kimmich and Hernández put their efforts from distance wide.

The Spaniards had the ball in the back of the net for a second time when Coquelin's cross-cum-shot went in off the far post, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Munich upped the ante before half-time but failed to create anything of attacking note.

No goals

The game sprang to life after the restart. Davies miscued a shot before Gnabry dragged his effort inches wide of the far post. Moreno hit the post before Davies made a last-ditch block against the forward. Lewandowski had a shot deflected wide before Moreno picked up a stray Neuer pass and curled just wide from inside his own half.

Coman miscued and Davies saw two efforts blocked before the former's shot was deflected over. Sané saw a shot blocked and another one saved, Pedraza firing wide at the other end. Villarreal keeper Geronimo Rulli denied Musiala and Coman late on to get the win over the line for the Spanish club.

The German record champions will be back in action on Saturday when they entertain Augsburg in the Bundesliga. Bayern and Villarreal meet again in the second leg at the Allianz Arena next Tuesday.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Greg Salmen