Aston Villa showcased resilience against Juventus in a gripping Champions League clash, with Emiliano Martinez delivering a world-class performance.
The World Cup-winning goalkeeper made a jaw-dropping save to keep Villa in the game, earning his reputation as one of the best. Despite a valiant effort, Villa’s late winner was controversially disallowed, sparking debates among fans and pundits.
Aston Villa were left frustrated in their pursuit of a historic Champions League victory over Juventus, settling for a 0-0 draw marred by a controversial refereeing call. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, fresh from showcasing his Kopa Trophy before kick-off, proved why he’s considered the world’s best shot-stopper with a series of stunning saves.
The game’s first real chance came in the 36th minute when Ollie Watkins was thwarted by Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio after breaking through the defense. Just before halftime, Villa came agonizingly close to scoring, with Lucas Digne’s sublime free-kick crashing against the crossbar.
Martinez stole the spotlight after the break, pulling off an unbelievable save to deny Francisco Conceicao’s point-blank header, preserving the deadlock. Moments later, Villa captain John McGinn saw his effort cleared off the line, adding to the high-stakes drama.
In stoppage time, Morgan Rogers appeared to have secured a last-gasp winner for Villa, firing home after a challenge by Diego Carlos on Di Gregorio. However, VAR intervened, disallowing the goal for a foul in a contentious conclusion to the match.
Despite the draw, Villa’s defensive resilience and Martinez’s heroics reinforced their credentials as serious Champions League contenders.
Here’s how each player performed in this high-stakes showdown:
Goalkeeper & Defence
Emiliano Martinez (8/10):
Not tested as much as he would have expected but made an astonishing save just after the hour to deny Conceicao, securing Villa’s clean sheet and their point.
Matty Cash (7/10):
Saw a goal-bound shot blocked in the first half. Rarely beaten down his side and tried to push forward where possible. A good performance.
Diego Carlos (6/10):
Very good on the ball and can launch Villa attacks with ease. Did that and stood up to Juve’s admittedly laborious attacks. Put off the Juve defence with his presence before Rogers’ finish, which was controversially disallowed.
Pau Torres (6/10):
Headed just wide early on. Was rarely stretched and never really looked troubled.
Lucas Digne (7/10):
Hit the crossbar with a superb free-kick on the stroke of halftime. Like Cash, played well, as Villa effectively limited Juve’s flanks and pushed them inside.
Midfield
Boubacar Kamara (5/10):
Terrible passing accuracy slowed Villa down at times. He was effective defensively, but on the ball, less so. Subbed with 12 minutes to go.
Morgan Rogers (4/10):
Struggled against Juve’s physicality in midfield and couldn’t embark on his trademark lung-busting runs. Kept plugging away though and thought he had the winner before it was bizarrely ruled out.
Youri Tielemans (6/10):
Booked early. Did fine thereafter, keeping Villa ticking as he toed the disciplinary line.
Attack
Leon Bailey (4/10):
Booked in the first half. Went to Juventus when he could but met resistance in defence and couldn’t get beyond them.
Ollie Watkins (5/10):
Ploughed a lone furrow. Won a couple of fouls, tested the goalkeeper once, and did nothing else of note. A frustrating night.
John McGinn (5/10):
Just not skilled enough to make the left-wing spot his own. I saw an effort cleared off the line, but his influence was negligible.
Subs & Manager
Ross Barkley (5/10):
On for Kamara. Couldn’t pick the lock.
Jhon Duran (5/10):
Asked to perform his usual rescue act but barely touched the ball.
Jaden Philogene (N/A):
On for Bailey. Didn’t have time to swing the game Villa’s way.
Unai Emery (6/10):
Will be happy with a point, as his side defended resolutely and never really looked like losing the game. Will also be fuming at what was undoubtedly a soft decision to rule out Rogers’ winner.
