Aston Villa faced off against Juventus in the Champions League, looking to make it four wins from five.
Unai Emery’s side arrived into this clash winless in their last six matches in all competitions but Juventus endured an injury crisis pre-match, with eight players sidelined, including Douglas Luiz.
Emery was eyeing history in the Champions League, aiming to become the first manager to beat Juventus three times in the competition.
In truth, the first half of this contest had few chances. Juventus looked threatening on the counter-attack, as Francisco Conceição and Kenan Yildiz caused Aston Villa problems on the break.
But, despite the visitors looking well-drilled and organised, it was Lucas Digne who came closest to scoring in the first period, clipping the bar with a free kick from the edge of the box.
In the second stanza, Villa controlled more of the possession but still found it difficult to breach an inspired Juve defence. John McGinn came closest to scoring for the hosts, as his attempt shot in the box was saved by the legs by Michele Di Gregorio.
Meanwhile, at the other end, Emi Martinez produced a save that was out of this world, getting down low to deny Francisco Conceição.
Villa pushed and probed to find a winner and thought that had it when Morgan Rogers slammed the ball home in the final minute. However, it was controversially disallowed for a soft foul on the goalkeeper, prompting a chorus of views at full-time.
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Here’s how the players rated.
Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus holds off a challenge from Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 matc...
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
Aston Villa player ratings vs Juventus
Emi Martinez – 9
Produced a save that was out of this world in the second half to deny Juventus what looked like a certain goal. It’s such a moment that proves why he’s the best goalkeeper on the planet.
Matty Cash – 6
Matty Cash was making his first Champions League start, and the Poland international contested a heated battle with Juve wideman Kenan Yildiz. A solid performance on debut as he rarely put a foot wrong.
Diego Carlos – 7
A fantastic showing from Carlos in the Champions League once more. Some fans questioned his inclusion over Ezri Konsa before the game, however, he was excellent in possession and didn’t put a foot wrong at the back.
Pau Torres – 6
It was in the wide areas where Villa were tested most, and that meant Pau Torres wasn’t put under lots of pressure, producing his usual calm display in the heart of the defence.
Lucas Digne – 6
Clipped the bar with a free kick on the edge of the box just before half-time. The Frenchman was tested a lot defensively against the lively Conceição and struggled to live with the talented winger at times.
Youri Tielemans – 6
Tielemans was walking on a tightrope for most of the game after being booked early on. The Belgian threw himself into challenges and was typically creative in possession, splitting lines with his passing.
Boubacar Kamara – 7
Kamara showed why he’s so important to Villa’s midfield, producing a composed performance with some magnificent long passes and incredible defensive work.
Leon Bailey – 6
Gabby Agbonlahor was critical of Leon Bailey after his poor run of form. But credit to the Jamaican, he was somewhat improved in this match, producing some promising runs in transition and setting up McGinn for a golden chance.
Morgan Rogers – 4
Another disappointing performance from Rogers, who was pretty anonymous throughout the game, but should have scored the winner however, he was denied by a terrible refereeing decision.
John McGinn – 6
McGinn was moved into a number 10 position, and although the Scotsman didn’t have his best game, he did get himself in dangerous pockets of space and should have perhaps scored after being teed up by Bailey.
Ollie Watkins – 7
Watkins was outstanding tonight. Although he didn’t find the net, the 28-year-old ran the channels superbly, linked play brilliantly and was a constant menace against a solid Juve back line.
Substitutes
Ross Barkley – 6
Jhon Duran – 6
Jaden Philogene – N/A
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