Topics: Aston Villa, Bayern Munich, Ollie Watkins, Dayot Upamecano
Many believe Dayot Upamecano was lucky to stay on the pitch after the Bayern Munich defender brought down Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins in a one-against-one situation.
Villa played host to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich on Wednesday night in their much-anticipated Champions League opener.
Ahead of kick-off, an eager Ollie Watkins opened up on one of the biggest games in the club's recent history.
“It will be unbelievable, I’m sure. The first Champions League game at Villa Park in so many years. It’s massive for the fans, and obviously us as players," he told UEFA.
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Watkins radiated that enthusiasm in the opening stages, and so did his teammates. Unai Emery's side caused their seasoned opponents some serious issues.
And so did the confident England international, who wrongfooted Dayot Upamecano on numerous occasions with his pace and movement.
In fact, during the early stages, Watkins was taken out by the French defender when he was clearly through on goal but to the surprise of viewers at home, the referee waved play on.
Here's how fans on social media reacted to the incident.
One said: "Ollie Watkins was taken out when he was through on goal by Upamecano and the referee waved play on. Absolute madness. It's a foul and a red."
A second commented: "How has Upamecano got away with that??? Blatant last man foul! should be a red!"
A third wrote: "Upamecano with an absolute get out of jail free card with that challenge on Watkins," and a fourth said: "Looked like a bad call in the Villa game. Would be a red for Upamecano."
A fifth added: "How has Dayot Upamecano not been sent off? How has VAR not intervened? That's utterly blatant."
Ahead of Wednesday's game at Villa Park, Watkins also spoke about the influence of Unai Emery, who has transformed the Villains since taking over in October 2022.
“We’re in capable hands with our manager," Watkins said.
"He’s experienced Champions League football at the highest level, so whenever he puts out a game plan, we always trust what he’s going to do, but also he’s implemented a style that all the lads are fully taking to and we’re confident that if we play to the best of our ability then we can hurt the very best."
The 28-year-old added: “We’re just going to enjoy the experience and work hard to beat the teams that are in front of us and try to go all the way.”
Thoughts on the incident? Let us know in the comments.
