Martínez: Loudest Villa Park I’ve heard

Emi Martínez admitted “it’s the loudest Villa Park I’ve heard since I joined the club” as he dedicated Aston Villa’s 1-0 triumph over Bayern Munich to our supporters.

The home faithful packed Villa Park well ahead of kick-off to soak up the historic occasion – with flames, fireworks and a giant Holte End tifo setting the scene as the UEFA Champions League anthem blasted out around the stadium.

Villa fans were relentless in their support from the stands as they backed Unai Emery’s side throughout.

And they were rewarded when Jhon Durán fired home a memorable winner with 11 minutes remaining to spark wild scenes everywhere, celebrations which were matched at the full-time whistle.

“It’s unreal, to be fair,” said Martínez post-match.

“It’s the loudest Villa Park I’ve heard since I joined the club, that’s for sure.

“It was hurting my ears at some points.

“It’s a club that’s moving forward. That’s the main reason why I want to stay at this football club.

“I love playing here, I love the fans. This is a good win for them.”

The Villa and Argentina No.1 was instrumental in the famous success.

Martínez produced a superb fingertip save to thwart Michael Olise in the first half before a point-blank stop to deny Serge Gnabry late on in the encounter.

But he kept his best for almost the last action of the night as his injury-time save from Harry Kane’s header preserved Villa’s one-goal advantage.

Reflecting on the win over the German giants and six-time champions of Europe, Martínez said: “It’s a statement.

“There’s still a lot to play, we want to qualify in the top eight.

“We go one step at a time, we’ve got Bologna at home now in our second game, we’ll probably be more relaxed.

“But we’re out to win every game.”

Durán once again stepped off the bench to prove the hero for Villa.

It was the Colombian’s sixth goal of the season and fifth after coming on as a substitute.

Five of those six goals have proved to be crucial matchwinners, and Martínez was glowing in his praise for the Villa striker.

“He’s been on fire,” added the ‘keeper.

“He came back with a different mentality this season.

“He’s willing to work hard, pushing Ollie (Watkins) all the way. They can play together.

“He’s a super sub, they’ve been calling him.

“The first time he touched the ball, he lobbed Neuer, one of the best goalkeepers in history.”