BOOED AND BAFFLING: The Shocking Reason Behind Emi Martinez's Treatment During PSG vs Aston Villa Clash
Paris Saint-Germain moved closer to securing their maiden Champions League title as they defeated Aston Villa 3-1 in the opening match of the quarterfinals.
The Parisians staged a remarkable comeback to dominate the Villains at the Parc des Princes, putting them in an excellent spot heading into the second leg.
In the 35th minute, Morgan Rogers put the visitors ahead despite the flow of the game, but just four minutes afterward, PSG equalized with an outstanding goal from Desire Doue.
Following the restart, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia notched an impressive individual goal before Nuno Mendes sealed the victory with a late strike by calmly finishing past Emi Martinez after dribbling him.
Why Emiliano MartÃnez faced jeers during his time in Paris
Martinez had a difficult evening in his most recent clash against the French player. From the start of the warm-ups until every touch he took during the match, the Villa goalkeeper faced constant boos from the crowd.
The jeers arose from the 2022 FIFA World Cup final when he upset the French team. Martinez was included in the Argentine roster that defeated France via penalty shootout during that dramatic finale held in Qatar.
The former Arsenal goalkeeper was arguably the most important player in that squad after Lionel Messi, as they went on to win their first World Cup since Diego Maradona's days.
He continually provoked the French supporters at the Lusail Stadium through his dance moves and explicit gestures following his receipt of the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.
During the post-match celebrations, jeers continued as he ridiculed Kylian Mbappe, even going so far as to obtain a cut-out of the then-PSG forward shaped like a doll.
Since then, Martinez has had a chilly relationship with the French. In last season’s quarter-finals of the Conference League against Lille, he received similar treatment.
That day, he emerged as a hero, stopping a few penalty shots as Unai Emery's squad advanced past the French team via a shootout.
This time around, luck was not on his side as he allowed three goals, which made Villa’s objective of reaching consecutive European semi-finals more challenging for their upcoming match.
The individual, who is 32 years old, entered France sporting a cap highlighting the victories achieved by Argentina recently. He deliberately postponed his arrival for the pre-match warm-ups as jeers echoed throughout the arena.
Martinez would aim to have the last word when Luis Enrique's team travels to Birmingham in less than six days from now.
More to follow.