BBC Sports Aston Villa player ratings v Juventus: That’s why Emiliano Martinez is one of the best! Stunning save from World Cup-winning goalkeeper earns valuable Champions League point – but late winner is controversially denied.
The Kopa Trophy winner exhibited his prize before the game, demonstrating why he was chosen the world’s finest goalie as Villa drew 0-0 with the Bianconeri. Aston Villa were denied a stunning Champions League victory over Juventus due to a contentious refereeing decision, but they were able to draw 0-0 with the Italian giants because to the brilliance of custodian Emiliano Martinez. It took 36 minutes for either team to produce a significant opening, but Ollie Watkins was denied by Michele Di Gregorio after being played through on goal.
The hosts came within inches of opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, but Lucas Digne’s free-kick rattled the crossbar.
After an hour and a tense, tetchy start to the half, Francisco Conceicao was denied in stunning fashion by Martinez, the Argentine custodian sensationally diving to keep his low header out of the bottom corner from point blank range. Soon after, at the opposite end, John McGinn’s effort was cleared off the line, and the game spluttered into life. Morgan Rogers thought he had won the game in injury time with a beautiful strike after Diego Carlos challenged Di Gregorio, but VAR ruled it out for a foul on the custodian in a wild league phase finale. GOAL ratings for Aston Villa players at Villa Park…
After an hour and a tense, tetchy start to the half, Francisco Conceicao was denied in stunning fashion by Martinez, the Argentine custodian sensationally diving to keep his low header out of the bottom corner from point blank range. Soon after, at the opposite end, John McGinn’s effort was cleared off the line, and the game spluttered into life. Morgan Rogers thought he had won the game in injury time with a beautiful strike after Diego Carlos challenged Di Gregorio, but VAR ruled it out for a foul on the custodian in a wild league phase finale. GOAL ratings for Aston Villa players at Villa Park…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Emiliano Martinez (8/10):
Not challenged as much as predicted, he made an incredible save shortly after the hour to deny Conceicao, sealing Villa’s clean sheet and point. Matthew Cash (7/10): During the first half, a shot on goal was blocked. He was rarely beaten down on his side and attempted to push forward whenever feasible. A good performance. Diego Carlos (6/10): Very good on the ball and can easily lead Villa attacks. Did so and withstood Juve’s obviously tedious onslaught. His presence deterred the Juve defensive before to Rogers’ controversially disallowed finish.
Pau Torres (6/10): Early on, he veered somewhat wide. Was rarely stretched and never appeared concerned. Lucas Digne (7/10): On the stroke of halftime, he hit the crossbar with a fantastic free kick. Villa, like Cash, played well by effectively limiting Juve’s flanks and pushing them inside.
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