Five talking points from Juventus stalemate

Aston Villa were held to a goalless draw by Juventus on matchday five of this season’s UEFA Champions League at Villa Park on Wednesday evening. 

The Villans and the Bianconeri shared an intriguing battle which the hosts thought they had won deep into added time, but they were made to settle for a point which saw them end the evening ninth in the league phase. 

From a world-class goalkeeper to a late disallowed goal, here are five talking points from the encounter…

The return of the Villan

Another special atmosphere on another memorable European night at Villa Park was capped off by the return of the Villan.

The character in a long cloak, pointed hat and sporting a dashing moustache first appeared in the early 1900s and was duly found on football memorabilia throughout the 20th century and beyond.

And Wednesday evening saw him reclaim a place in B6 in a different form, plastered on to a mural which cascaded down the front of the Holte End shortly before the players took to the field.

It was the perfect accompaniment for another electric Champions League evening in the stands. The Villan will live on forever.

The world’s number one

Pre-match brought about the opportunity for Emi Martínez to parade his 2024 Yashin Trophy in front of the Villa Park faithful.

The Argentinian became the first player in history to scoop the award in back-to-back years when he was crowned the best goalkeeper in the world for the second time at last month’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.

And he was joined on the field by his two children shortly before the teams were introduced, sharing a special moment with the Villa supporters.

In true Martínez fashion, he produced a word-class save to mark the occasion, clawing the lively Francisco Conceição’s header off the line with 65 minutes on the clock to keep the game goalless. 

A welcome clean sheet

Despite not taking all three points, a clean sheet against the Coppa Italia holders was our first since Villa Park’s last Champions League fixture – a 2-0 win over Bologna last month.

It was a welcome shutout for the Villans and ensures we have still shipped just one goal in the competition in five matches.

The Lions again had the world’s number one to thank, Martínez coming to their rescue shortly after the hour to heroically deny Conceição’s header, which was just centimetres from crossing the goal-line.

Late drama

Villa thought they had found a winner in the fourth minute of added time as goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio spilled the ball under pressure from Diego Carlos, allowing Morgan Rogers to tap home.

For a moment, Villa Park erupted, then entered a period of uncertainty over whether a goal had been given or a foul on the Juve stopper.

To the frustration of the B6 faithful, it became clear it was the latter and Emery’s men had to settle for the draw.

Another point on the board

Having suffered a first defeat of the Champions League campaign in Bruges last time out, another point on the board in the league phase is a positive step in the right direction.

Having won our first three outings in the competition, the draw leaves Unai Emery’s side ninth in the table, with a return of 10 points from a possible 15.

We now enter next month’s trip to RB Leipzig knowing a win could guarantee our place in the top 24.