United Kingdom, Nov 28, (V7N) - Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez delivered a standout performance in a thrilling 0-0 draw against Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Argentina goalkeeper's spectacular save in the 65th minute denied Francisco Conceicao what seemed a certain goal. Villa, playing their first top-tier European campaign since 1982/83, nearly sealed a dramatic win deep into stoppage time through Morgan Rogers. However, the goal was controversially ruled out due to a foul on Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, leaving Villa manager Unai Emery to lament the "soft" decision.

Both teams had their moments in a tense contest in Birmingham. Lucas Digne came closest for Villa in the first half, striking the crossbar with a free-kick, while Martinez’s heroics kept Juventus at bay. Ollie Watkins and John McGinn also threatened, but their efforts were thwarted by the Juventus defense. Villa’s draw leaves them ninth in the Champions League table, while Juventus, lacking a recognized striker, sit in 19th place after a sluggish campaign.

Emery, though frustrated by the late decision, remained positive, acknowledging the value of the point against a storied opponent. "In England, 80 percent [of such challenges] is not a foul, but maybe in Europe, it is," Emery noted, reflecting on the crucial call. Villa continues to seek their first win in seven matches across all competitions, aiming to sustain their European campaign momentum.

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