Aston Villa star Emi Martinez bails out Lionel Messi in Argentina heroics v Ecuador
Aston Villa star Emi Martinez bailed out Lionel Messi and shone with two penalty saves for Argentina as they won on penalties against Ecuador.
Dibu was on characteristic top form as La Albiceleste made it through to the semi-finals of the Copa America for the fifth tournament running.
The Villa number one was on his toes as he made an early save to deny Moises Caicedo to keep the scores level.
Ecuador were awarded a penalty but Enner Valencia rolled the spot kick off the post and away from goal.
Martinez’s goal was breached as Kevin Rodriguez levelled the scores with just added time remaining to take the quarter-final to a penalty shootout.
Messi missed the opening penalty with a panenka off the bar but Martinez bailed him out with a characteristic penalty save in Ecuador’s first attempt.
Dibu reached a big hand out to stop their second penalty and reacted with a trademark dance to hand Argentina the advantage.
Although the Villa man didn’t make another save, Argentina made it through to win the shootout 4-2 and booked a place in the semi-final of the Copa America.
Aston Villa star Emi Martinez shines for Argentina v Ecuador
Words can’t even describe Martinez anymore, whether it be with Villa or Argentina, he is always on top of his game.
After making penalties difficult for France in the 2022 World Cup final, Messi was able to lift the World Cup for the first time and had Dibu to thank.
The 31-year-old was back to his best with two penalty saves to help his country closer to a second Copa America title in as many tournaments.
It wasn’t just his spot-kick heroics that were positive as he made saves early on to keep Ecuador from taking the lead.
The Argentine number one would have been frustrated to concede at all after being forced into making just one save and one high claim [FotMob].
Ecuador created 1.06 xG, so the Villans star didn’t necessarily do wrong as his opponent’s goal was virtually unsavable.
Dibu had 33 touches of the ball and kept a 62 per cent passing accuracy which even saw him create one chance.
With 11 recoveries, the Villa man was a rock at the back for La Albiceleste as they progressed through thanks to Martinez’s penalty saves.
In other Aston Villa news, the Villans have set their pricetag for Matty Cash this summer.
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