Aston Villa claimed a memorable win over Bayern Munich last night in the UEFA Champions League, taking their tally to two wins from two games.
The Villains put in a terrific display at Villa Park to secure another three points on the board, with several players putting in massive shifts.
One of those outstanding performances came from Emiliano Martinez between the sticks, who was defiant on the night, making some stunning saves to keep out Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry, and Harry Kane.
The Olise stop came just before the stroke of half-time. Bayern set the ball up for the French international, who angled a gorgeous hit destined for the top corner, but Martinez pulled out a fingertip save.
Villa took the lead through super substitute Jhon Duran on 79 after he caught Manuel Neuer off his line. Villa had to hold on to their lead till the final whistle, and they did, thanks to Martinez’s heroics.
The Argentine shot-stopper made himself big to keep out Gnabry, who should have scored to level the game. The 32-year-old was not done as he made one final stop to keep out Kane.
Former Villa star Thomas Hitzlsperger raved about Martinez’s performance, hailing him as the best in the world.
Hitzlsperger said (via the BBC): “This is why it helps to have the world’s best goalkeeper. Emi Martinez has played a big part in what could be an amazing night for Villa.”
Martinez proves his mettle
Standing opposite one of the greatest of all time – Neuer – Martinez didn’t put a foot wrong while his German colleague was in no man’s land for Duran’s winner.
Villa needed their goalkeeper and he stepped up to the plate, proving why he is one of, if not the world’s best at his position. He was nothing short of exceptional against Bayern and deserves all the plaudits he is getting.
