Aston Villa experienced disappointment after a dramatic late goal by Morgan Rogers was disallowed during their Champions League clash against Juventus. The match appeared to have been decided in the final seconds of stoppage time when Youri Tielemans lofted a free-kick into the box following a foul by Teun Koopmeiners. Diego Carlos contested the ball with Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, and it spilled free for Rogers to score into an unguarded net. However, the referee ruled that Carlos had fouled the goalkeeper, overturning what would have been a memorable winner.
Ollie Watkins expressed frustration with the decision, calling it “soft.” Manager Unai Emery acknowledged the difference in refereeing between domestic and European competitions, noting that similar incidents would typically not be deemed fouls in the Premier League. Emery said, “In England, that wouldn’t be a foul, but in Europe, the interpretation is different.” The Villa Park crowd voiced their discontent, feeling that the team had been denied a famous victory.
The highlight of the match was a stunning performance from goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. Shortly before kickoff, Martínez was celebrated for becoming the first goalkeeper to win the Yashin Trophy twice. He then demonstrated why he is held in such high regard with a brilliant save to deny Francisco Conceição midway through the second half. Goal-line technology confirmed that Martínez had kept the ball out by a matter of millimeters, preserving the deadlock in a match of fine margins.
Villa had their own opportunities to take the lead. Lucas Digne struck the crossbar with a free-kick in the first half, while John McGinn was denied by a last-ditch block from Manuel Locatelli after being set up by Leon Bailey. Juventus, for their part, were dangerous on set pieces, and their best chance came when Conceição’s header appeared destined for the net, only for Martínez to make a spectacular save.
Juventus arrived with a depleted squad, featuring only 17 players and naming just six substitutes, two of whom were goalkeepers. Despite their limitations, the Serie A side managed to grind out a result, showcasing their resilience. Their defensive organization and sporadic attacking moments highlighted the experience that comes with being regular competitors on the European stage.
For Villa, the draw extends their winless run to seven matches, raising some concerns about form. While Emery remains confident, the current streak evokes memories of past struggles. The manager will be eager to prevent this run from stretching further, particularly with a challenging trip to Chelsea on the horizon. Despite the recent results, Villa remain in a strong position in their Champions League group and retain ambitions of reaching the knockout stages.
Emery reflected on the draw with optimism, emphasizing the quality of the opponent. Juventus, considered among the favorites to reach the later stages of the tournament, pushed Villa throughout the match. Emery highlighted the need for his team to remain ambitious and continue competing for a top-eight finish in the group.
While the result left a bittersweet taste, Villa’s performance offered signs of promise. Martínez’s heroics, the defensive solidity, and moments of attacking quality showed that the team is capable of matching Europe’s elite. However, to turn potential into progress, Villa must rediscover their winning touch soon. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining the direction of their season.
