INCREDIBLE Emiliano Martinez save helps Aston Villa claim a point against Juventus

Aston Villa and Argentina keeper Emiliano Martinez helped his side salvage a point against Italian giant Juventus in the Champions League.

INCREDIBLE Emiliano Martinez save helps Aston Villa claim a point against Juventus

Emiliano Martinez's incredible save vs Juventus stole the spotlight in an otherwise frustrating draw (Via X/@AVFCOfficial)

Emiliano Martinez is undoubtedly one of the best keepers in the modern game. The Aston Villa keeper’s heroics against Juventus in the Champions League took centre stage as an unbelievable save helped his side claim a point.

With just one goal conceded in the UCL, Aston Villa sit in ninth position. The game against Juventus saw either side enjoy their fair share of chances, with both keepers called into action.

YouTube video

A blistering strike from Ollie Watkins was punched to the side by Michele Di Gregorio. Lucas Digne then came close to opening the scoring just before half-time from a floated free-kick. His attempt hit the top of the crossbar before going out of bounds.

FS Video

Martinez’s moment in the spotlight came in the 64th minute as his full-length dive kept out a header from Francisco Conceicao. Goal-line technology later clarified that the ball was millimetres away from crossing the line.

On a night in which Emiliano Martinez flaunted his Yashin Trophies from 2023 and 2024 to the home fans, his two crucial saves proved to be paramount.

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Morgan Rogers thought he’d won it at the death for the hosts as he fired in a shot from close range into an empty net. However, his celebration was cut short after a foul by Diego Carlos on opposition keeper Michele Di Gregorio led to his strike being ruled out. Following the game, Villa boss Unai Emery expressed his frustration at VAR.

Thiago Motta and Unai Emery
Thiago Motta and Unai Emery had contrasting takes after the 0-0 draw (Via X/@AVFCOfficial & juventusfcen)

I don’t understand what happened. In the Premier League, it’s never a foul, probably not even in Europe.

Unai Emery told Prime Video via IlBianconero

Despite Emery’s frustration, opposition boss Thiago Motta seemed to be more content with the result. The Italian highlighted how his side continues to play ‘compact and with balance’.

The Italian giant drew its second consecutive game in the competition following a 1-1 draw to Lille. Even though Juventus sit in 19th, only two points separate the club from the top 8.

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As for the Premier League side, ten points from five games places it just one spot outside the first eight. Villa’s next game in Europe comes against RB Leipzig in December.