Aston Villa played out a goalless draw with Juventus
Aston Villa played out a goalless draw with Juventus
Aston Villa took a point from their penultimate home Champions League league phase fixture, drawing 0-0 with Juventus at Villa Park.
Morgan Rogers thought he had won the game for Villa in second half added time when he put the ball in the empty net after Juve goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio dropped it under pressure from Diego Carlos. The goal wasn't given as the Villa defender was adjudged to have disrupted the 'keeper before Rogers put the ball in.
Both sides each registered one shot on target before the break after a half of few chances. Ollie Watkins struck at goal from inside the box, but he couldn't quite to get the ball out of his feet before testing goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.
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Francisco Coincecao called Emi Martinez into action late in the first half when he cut inside and fired at the near post. But it was Villa who went closest to breaking the deadlock when Lucas Digne hit the top of the bar from a free-kick.
Referee Jesus Gil Manzano was booed off the pitch at the end of the half after booking Youri Tielemans and Leon Bailey early on, before Pau Torres also went in the book. Villa only committed one more foul than the visitors in the first half, but it took until the 45th minute for one of their players to see a yellow card as Pierre Kalulu was cautioned for fouling Watkins before Digne hit the woodwork.
Martinez produced an excellent stop to ensure Villa stayed level in the 65th minute as he clawed the ball off the line after Coincecao headed towards goal from close range at the back post. It was Teun Koopmeiners' delivery which created the Old Lady's best chance of the match.
Shortly after, Villa had their best opportunity as Bailey pulled the ball back for John McGinn in the box, but his goal-bound effort was blocked by Manuel Locatelli. Villa left the pitch feeling aggrieved after Carlos was harshly penalised for jumping with Di Gregorio before Rogers converted.
Villa return to Premier League action this weekend as they take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (1:30pm kick-off).
Player ratings
Emi Martinez
Martinez only had one save to make in the first half, but produced a top piece of goalkeeping to deny Conceicao just after the hour mark. The ball was millimetres from crossing the line! 9*
Matty Cash
Cash made his Champions League debut this evening, starting at right-back. He kept a lid on exciting talent Kenan Yıldız and held his position well when Juve were looking to find gaps in the Villa defence. 8
Diego Carlos
Carlos played an excellent ball over the top to set Watkins free in the first half, but the striker didn't make the most of it. He formed a strong partnership with Torres tonight. 7
Pau Torres
Torres only misplaced four of the 69 passes he attempted tonight. He was always looking to drive forward with the ball when he had the chance. 7
Lucas Digne
Digne had a tricky task keeping Conceicao quiet, but he defended well for the most part. The left-back nearly broke the deadlock in the first half when his free-kick struck the top of the bar. 7
Boubacar Kamara
Kamara made his first start since the defeat at Club Brugge. He plays such an important role in the side - Villa look so much more secure when he's in the midfield. 8
Youri Tielemans
The Belgian was managing on a yellow card from the 10th minute after being cautioned early on. Despite being on a booking, it didn't stop Tielemans from putting his foot in to prevent counter-attacks. He registered a passing accuracy of 88 per cent. 7
Leon Bailey runs at Kenan Yildiz
Leon Bailey
Bailey's first action was positive - he cut inside from the left and got a shot away, but it was blocked. After showing signs of improvement in the draw with Crystal Palace, Bailey was lively again this evening. He came close to registering an assist as McGinn's effort - from the winger's pass - was blocked. 7
John McGinn
The skipper worked hard out of possession and nearly got his reward for an industrious display when Bailey rolled the ball back to him inside the box in the second half. His effort was blocked by Locatelli, who was excellent for Juve all night. 6
Morgan Rogers
Rogers took a few heavy touches and didn't really impose himself in the match. When he had the chance to produce from a wide position, a quality final ball was lacking. All of these experiences at the top level will be equipping Rogers well for his bright future. 6
Ollie Watkins
Watkins had his first sight of goal in the 36th minute when he struck at goal from inside the box, but he lacked conviction as the ball was stuck under his feet. He made plenty of runs in behind the Juve defence. 6
SUBS
Jhon Duran (for Watkins, 78'): N/A
Ross Barkley (for Kamara, 78'): N/A
Jaden Philogene (for Bailey, 86'): N/A
Subs not used: Olsen, Gauci, Nedeljkovic, Bogarde, Maatsen, Konsa, Mings, Buendia.
GOALS
Aston Villa: N/A
Juventus: N/A
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