Aston Villa might have Emi Martinez for the first leg of the Conference League semi-final, despite initially thinking he would be suspended.
Emi Martinez played a crucial role in Aston Villa’s penalty shootout victory against Lille, making the match-winning save. Initially, it seemed he received a second yellow card for taunting fans, but it was clarified that cards don’t carry over into penalties, so he wasn’t sent off.
Reports suggested Martinez would miss the semi-final’s first leg against Olympiakos, but Matt Maher criticized UEFA’s unclear rules. He stated, “There’s confusion regarding Martinez’s semi-final suspension. Aston Villa believed he’d be banned, but UEFA’s rules are unclear. Clarification is expected today.”
Aston Villa is set to receive clarification regarding Emi Martinez’s situation.
Martinez has established himself as a standout performer in crucial moments, particularly on the grandest stages. His presence at the Decathlon Arena was no exception, as he employed his trademark tactics to unsettle opposing players, reminiscent of his pivotal role in the 2022 World Cup final.
Throughout the tie, Martinez showcased his exceptional form. In the first leg, he thwarted numerous chances, making six saves and preventing 1.67 xG. Despite conceding two goals in the away fixture, his performance remained stellar. According to FotMob, he made two crucial saves, executed 11 recoveries, and demonstrated adept ball control, tallying 87 touches and completing 78% of his 59 accurate passes.
While Martinez’s remarkable shot-stopping abilities often take the spotlight, his underrated ball-playing skills were also on display. Villa will eagerly await clarification on his suspension, hoping to see the world-class goalkeeper in action at Villa Park for the upcoming semi-final.