That’s the main reason I stayed’ – Emiliano Martinez makes transfer admission as Argentina hero hails Aston Villa after stunning Champions League victory over Bayern Munich

In what has become a recurring theme for Villa, Duran emerged from the bench to produce a moment of brilliance. Entering the game in the 70th minute as a substitute for Ollie Watkins, the striker wasted no time in making his mark as just nine minutes later, he capitalised on an opportunity to lob Bayern’s legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to seal a thrilling 1-0 victory over the Bavarians at a raucous Villa Park.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While Duran’s goal stole the headlines, Martinez did his job between the sticks as the Argentine made two crucial saves including one against Harry Kane in injury time to keep the scoreline unchanged. He also denied Serge Gnabry from close range to emerge as the hero for Villa fans on a memorable European night.

  • WHAT MARTINEZ SAID

    Earlier in the summer, Martinez reaffirmed his commitment to Villa by signing a new long-term contract which will keep him at the club until 2029. After the win, Martinez felt vindicated for choosing to stay as he feels that the Midlands outfit are moving in the right direction under Unai Emery.

    In a post-match interview with TNT Sports, Martinez said: “It’s unreal, it’s the loudest Villa Park I’ve heard since I joined the club. It’s a club that’s moving forward, that’s the main reason why I stayed at this football club, I love playing here, I love the fans.

    “It’s a statement, there’s still a lot to play. We want to qualify in the first eight, in the top eight, it’s one step at a time, we’ve got Bologna at home now in our second game, we are probably more relaxed but we want to win every game.”

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Martinez reserved special praise for Duran, whose mentality and work ethic have been crucial to Villa’s success this season.

    “He came back with a different mentality this season,” Martinez said. “He’s willing to work hard, he’s pushing Ollie all the way, they can play together he’s a super-sub, the first time he touched the ball, he lobbed Neuer, one of the best goals in history.”

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      WHAT NEXT FOR MARTINEZ?

      Villa’s victory over Bayern Munich is a significant moment in their European history, and with players like Martinez and Duran stepping up in key moments, the club could go deep in the Champions League this season. However, they cannot afford to rest on their laurels as they next host Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.