Emiliano Martínez, a World Cup champion, saved two penalties in Aston Villa's 4-3 triumph against Lille to advance to the Europa Conference League semifinals in France on Thursday.
Martínez saved goals from Nabil Bentaleb and Benjamin André to advance Villa to the semifinals against Olympiacos. The quarterfinal encounter ended 3-3 on aggregate after extra time. The Villa custodian, who was cautioned during regular time for time wasting, received a second yellow card in the shootout for his disruptive behaviour but was permitted to continue because cautions do not carry over into penalties.
Martínez received boos from Lille fans for his efforts in the 2022 World Cup final shootout.
The 31-year-old saved one France penalty and received a yellow card for attempting to disrupt the opposing takers as Argentina won the championship for the third time in Qatar, garnering him hero status in Argentina and the role of villain in France.
"He is very important for us," Aston Villa manager Unai Emery stated about his custodian. "He has a personality, and his attitude in the locker room is critical because he is a leader with extensive experience.
"He has a tremendously amazing mind. On the pitch, he has his individuality and plays fantastically. He saved two penalty shots, and I am quite pleased of him. "I am extremely proud of all of the players."
After a 2-1 triumph in the first leg of the quarterfinals last week, Lille appeared to be on their way to the final four when Yusuf Yazici and André scored in either half to put them ahead 3-2 on aggregate.
However, with three minutes remaining in regulation time, Matty Cash pulled Villa level. Villa advanced to their first European semifinal since 1982 thanks to goals from Cash, Youri Tielemans, Ollie Watkins, and Douglas Luiz in the shootout. Martínez also made crucial saves.
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