As returns to the biggest club stage go, Aston Villa’s went rather swimmingly, the substitute Jhon Durán nonchalantly putting Bayern Munich to bed with a stunning, off-the-cuff left-foot lob. This was a night that guaranteed a sense of mystique regardless of result – despite well-documented prices it was the hottest ticket in town and as the Champions League anthem filled the Villa Park air for the first time, the home support seemed to open their ears to drink it all in – but few anticipated Unai Emery’s side dispatching the Bundesliga giants in such style.

Durán is building quite the showreel. Pau Torres had a first-half goal disallowed for offside but Durán stepped off the bench to earn Villa victory, prompting Prince William off his feet to cheer from the stands, and maintain their 100% start to this competition. After 41 years away, they seem intent on making up for lost time.

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