Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez suspended for Europa Conference League semi-final after penalty heroics

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez will miss the first leg of his side’s Europa Conference League semi-final clash with Olympiakos after receiving his second yellow card of the night in a dramatic penalty shootout against Lille.

Martinez, who had already been cautioned earlier in the match, was shown a second yellow card for his actions during the penalty shootout. Despite not being sent off, UEFA confirmed his suspension for accumulating three yellow cards in the quarter-final tie against Lille.

The Argentine shot-stopper played a crucial role in Villa’s progression to the semi-finals, saving Lille’s first penalty before securing victory with another save in the shootout. His heroics have earned him praise from former Villa player Lee Hendrie, who hailed Martinez as the “best goalkeeper in the world.”

However, Martinez himself expressed confusion over the rules that led to his second yellow card, stating, “I just don’t understand the rules.” Despite the controversy, Martinez remains a key player for Villa as they prepare to face Olympiakos in the semi-finals.

Villa will host the Greek side at Villa Park on May 2, with the return leg scheduled for a week later in Piraeus. Olympiakos also advanced to the semi-finals after a penalty shootout victory over Fenerbahce.

The Europa Conference League semi-finals are set to begin on May 2, with the final scheduled for May 29 at the AEK Arena in Athens, Greece. As Villa aim to secure European success, Martinez’s absence in the first leg will be a significant blow, but his teammates will be looking to step up in his absence.