If this is, in fact, the group of death, it appears that Villarreal are going to be out of Europe come December. Bayern Munich are in great position in Group A of the UEFA Champions League after a 2-0 win at El Madrigal in Spain, but the opposite is the case for Villarreal, who have now become favorites to finish fourth after Matchday 1.
Villarreal Vs. Bayern Munich, 2011 UEFA Champions League: Full Time, Bayern Coast To 2-0 Win
Toni Kroos scored the opening goal for Bayern just 7 minutes in, and he was completely unmarked on the finish. The goal was set up by Franck Ribery, who now looks to be completely back from his various injuries. He was Bayern Munich's best player all night and looked extremely dangerous on the left flank.
Bayern’s second goal was an absolute howler from Villarreal keeper Diego Lopez, who was otherwise very good. Cutting in from his right back position, Rafinha beat his defender before hiring in a hard shot at a narrow angle. A keeper of the class of Lopez should have been able to tip the ball wide for a corner kick without much of a problem, but he completely misjudged the ball and let it go into the back of the net off his hands.
Unfortunately, Bayern will come out of this match with some possible fitness issues. Daniel van Buyten was substituted mid-way through the first half with a muscle injury, while Mario Gomez was substituted off at halftime. It's not yet clear if Gomez's substitution was related to tactics or an injury.
Bayern were the better side in every facet of this game, and deserve the three points they picked up at El Madrigal this evening. Villarreal, on the other hand, haven’t proven their credentials as a Champions League team either in the competition itself or La Liga this season.
For more on Villarreal, check out Villarreal USA. Keep it on our Villarreal vs. Bayern Munich StoryStream for more on this game, and head over to SB Nation Soccer for coverage of the entire UEFA Champions League and football from all around the world.
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