Aston Villa faced Juventus in a tense Champions League match that ended in a 0-0 draw, with the hosts left frustrated after a late goal from Morgan Rogers was disallowed due to a foul on the Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio. The match saw Villa trying to snap a six-match winless streak, and they believed they had found a late winner, only for the referee to intervene. Villa’s Lucas Digne came closest to scoring, striking the crossbar with a powerful free kick just before halftime. Both teams had chances, with Villa’s goalkeeper Emi Martinez making a stunning save to deny a header from Francisco Conceicao.
Villa, managed by Unai Emery, started the Champions League campaign strong with three wins and three clean sheets but now find themselves ninth in the table after this draw. Juventus, who had only 14 outfield players available, are currently sitting at 17th in their league.
The match was characterized by cautious play from Juventus, who seemed content to maintain possession without creating too many clear-cut chances. Villa fans were vocal in their disappointment, especially after the final whistle when the disallowed goal was a major talking point. Ollie Watkins, a Villa player, expressed his frustration, suggesting that in the Premier League, the goal would have stood.
Emery reflected on the disallowed goal, stating that while he was pleased to earn a point, the late decision by the referee was harsh, considering the nature of the contact that led to the foul being called. The game showcased a mix of attacking play from both sides, but ultimately lacked the decisive finishing that could have changed the scoreline.
In the end, both teams will have to regroup as they look to improve their positions in their respective leagues. Aston Villa will need to address their winless run, while Juventus will aim to build on this draw as they continue to navigate a challenging season with a depleted squad due to injuries.
