Emi Martinez speaks out after Aston Villa penalty drama and gives opinion on his 'reputation'

Emi Martinez's saves earned Aston Villa a place in the Europa Conference League semi-finals
Emi Martinez's saves earned Aston Villa a place in the Europa Conference League semi-finals -Credit:Photo by Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty Images


Emi Martinez says something "really special" is happening at Aston Villa after he helped the club book their place in the Europa Conference League semi-finals.

The goalkeeper saved two penalties as Villa won 4-3 in the shoot-out, which came after Matty Cash's late goal took the game to extra-time. Villa were second best in the match, but Cash's 87th minute strike dragged his side into an additional 30 minutes of play.

Douglas Luiz missed a big chance to level the game up on the night and put Villa ahead of aggregate, but he missed a header from close range. Villa knew throughout extra time that they had a big advantage if the tie went to penalties - the world's number one between the sticks.

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"It’s been a hell of a ride all of my career," Martinez told TNT sports after full-time. "I’m a believer and a hard worker. It was my destiny to win here again.

"I have a reputation for time-wasting because the other goalkeeper was doing the same thing. I got booked in the first half even though we were losing the game, so I don’t know what the ref wants from me. Then, there was no ball on the penalty spot, so I was asking for a ball from the ball boy, and then I get booked - I don’t understand the rules.

"I always say that all my career and my personal performances, my team needs me in those moments. Yesterday we watched Real Madrid vs Man City, the manager has always said maybe we can go to penalties and in my head in those moments I own my box.

"This group of players and the manager is really special. The owners are really involved as well, Wes and Nassef, they are really behind us. It feels like we’re going to do something special. I don’t know if it is the Champions League or the Conference League, but we will do everything we can for this football club."

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