Martinez once again becomes the hero!

19/04/2024

The Europa League quarter-finals witnessed an exciting match, with Aston Villa and French team Lille drawing in normal time. 

Aston Villa qualified to Europa Conference Cup semi final

However, in the next save, 31-year-old Argentinian goalkeeper Martinez showed courage again, saving two penalties and waking up the French fans. 

Again 'hurt' French fans

Last weekend, Martinez put in an incredible performance in the Premier League, denying  his former club Arsenal more goalscoring opportunities and causing Arsenal to lose 0-2  at home. 

Although Lille took advantage of the match they played at home  and scored two goals in the 15th and 67th minutes, temporarily making the score 3-2, Aston Villa winger Cash brought the score to  3-3 in the 87th minute. 

 Villa's hero!

Since neither side could take the lead in extra time, the match went to a  penalty shoot-out. Martinez once again proved to be the savior of the team. 

 
The rivalry between Argentina and France in the World Cup final resulted in French fans booing Martinez during the penalty shoot-out, but the Argentine goalkeeper remained cool and composed. 

2 save from Martinez!

Quality penalties saved against Lille players in the first and fifth rounds. 

 
In the end, Villa beat Lille 7-6 and advanced to the semi-finals. Let us note that Martinez once again proved his value as a 'penalty saving specialist' by winning all five penalties in which he  participated recently. 

Can Martinez lead Villa go far?

With Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham United  eliminated from the Champions League and Europa League, Villa became the only team of the Premier League in European cups with Martinez's impressive performance. 

If Villa want to go far in the Europa League, they can continue to rely on Martinez's prowess.