The Champions League clash between Aston Villa and Juventus ended in controversy as Emiliano Martinez’s heroics and a disallowed last-minute goal left the match in a 0-0 stalemate in Birmingham on Wednesday night.
Despite limited clear-cut opportunities for both teams, Villa’s Argentine goalkeeper, Martinez, delivered a crucial performance to preserve a clean sheet. His spectacular save in the 65th minute, denying Francisco Conceição from close range, was a defining moment of the match.
In stoppage time, Morgan Rogers appeared to have snatched a dramatic victory for Unai Emery’s side, firing home after a loose ball fell kindly to him. However, the celebrations were cut short when the referee ruled out the goal, citing a foul by Diego Carlos on Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.
Villa manager Unai Emery, while content with the draw, expressed frustration at the decision, calling the contact “soft.”
The result leaves Villa without a win in their last seven matches across all competitions, despite a strong start in Europe, where they won their first three group-stage fixtures. Emery had acknowledged before the game that a draw against the Italian giants would be an acceptable outcome as he navigates the revamped group format.
Juventus, who fielded a side without a recognised striker, dominated possession in the early stages but failed to convert their control into meaningful chances. Teenager Kenan Yildiz missed the target with a wayward effort in the 20th minute, and Timothy Weah blasted over after a rapid counter-attack.
Aston Villa’s best moments came late in the first half, with Lucas Digne rattling the crossbar from a free-kick and Martinez denying Conceição with a stunning low save in the second. A brilliant delivery from Leon Bailey to John McGinn nearly broke the deadlock, but Manuel Locatelli’s crucial intervention kept Juventus level.
Despite their spirited performance, Aston Villa, participating in the Champions League for the first time since the 1982/83 season, now sit ninth in the standings. Juventus, under the guidance of Thiago Motta, are struggling in 19th position.
