On matchday five of the Champions League group stage, Juventus faced a tough test away at Villa Park against Aston Villa. Despite both sides having their share of chances, neither could break the deadlock, and the match ended in a 0-0 draw.
Also Read: UCL Match Report! Aston Villa vs Juventus Match Updates, News and Scores (27th November, 2024
A controversial moment in the final minutes saw Villa’s last-gasp goal disallowed for a foul on Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, adding drama to a match where defensive efforts and goalkeeping were at the forefront.
Juventus, now slipping to mid-table, will have to regroup and refine their attacking play moving forward, while Villa will rue the missed opportunity to secure all three points.
Here’s a look at the player ratings for both teams following an intense, goalless draw.
Juventus Player Ratings
Michele Di Gregorio (6.5)
Di Gregorio had a solid performance between the sticks, making a couple of important saves early on. He benefitted from a controversial referee decision in the dying seconds after an unconvincing exit, but overall, he helped keep the Villains at bay.
Nicolò Savona (6)
The Juventus youngster was solid defensively, matching John McGinn for pace and tenacity. However, his contribution in the attack was limited, and he struggled to get involved offensively.
Pierre Kalulu (6.5)
Kalulu started the match strongly, dealing well with Ollie Watkins in their individual battles. As the game went on, he lost some ground and gave away free-kicks in dangerous areas, but he still provided a solid defensive presence.
Federico Gatti (7)
Gatti was one of the standout performers for Juventus. The Italy international dealt confidently with every ball that came his way, making several key interceptions and clearances. His defensive solidity was crucial in securing the draw.
Andrea Cambiaso (6.5)
Cambiaso worked hard to drive the ball forward but was less involved than usual in attack. Defensively, he was solid, keeping Leon Bailey at bay and contributing well to Juventus’ defensive efforts.
Khephren Thuram (7)
Thuram impressed in midfield, dominating duels and recovering possession on several occasions. His work rate and composure were crucial in helping Juventus maintain control of the midfield battle.
Manuel Locatelli (7.5)
Locatelli was the star of the show for Juventus. Playing as the stand-in captain, he played a key role in breaking up Villa’s attacks and supporting the defense. He was always in the right place at the right time, even producing a vital goal-line clearance.
Francisco Conceição (6.5)
Conceição caused problems down the left flank, testing Emi Martinez with a low shot and coming close to scoring with a header. While his attacking efforts were dangerous, they were not enough to break the deadlock.
Teun Koopmeiners (5)
Koopmeiners had a quiet match, with few noticeable contributions aside from a couple of decent set-piece deliveries. His form continues to be a concern for Juventus, as he failed to make a significant impact in this game.
Kenan Yildiz (6)
The Turkish teenager had a few bright moments, particularly on the left flank, where he tried to make an impact with some positive runs. However, his influence on the game was too limited to change the outcome.
Timothy Weah (5.5)
Weah struggled to make an impact in an unfamiliar role, filling in for the injured Dusan Vlahovic. He failed to provide much in the build-up or in the final third, leaving Juventus’ attack lacking a cutting edge.
Substitutes:
Danilo (6)
Danilo came on and put in a solid performance but did not offer much going forward. He provided experience at the back, but there was little to distinguish his contribution from Savona’s.
Aston Villa Player Ratings
Emi Martinez (9)
Martinez was outstanding, producing a world-class save in the second half to deny Juventus a certain goal. His performance was a reminder of why he’s considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Matty Cash (6)
Cash had a solid debut in the Champions League, contesting a tough battle with Kenan Yildiz. While not exceptional, he defended well and kept his side secure at the back.
Diego Carlos (7)
Carlos impressed with a commanding display at the back. His composure in possession and solid defending earned him praise, proving his importance to Villa’s defense.
Pau Torres (6)
Torres had a quieter match, with Villa being tested more in the wide areas. His calm and composed defensive play was solid but largely uneventful in the context of the match.
Lucas Digne (6)
Digne showed attacking intent with a free-kick that clipped the bar, but defensively, he struggled against the pace and skill of Conceição, having a tough time containing the Portuguese winger.
Youri Tielemans (6)
Tielemans was walking a fine line after an early booking but still managed to contribute creatively with some good passing. His tireless work rate in midfield helped Villa maintain control for much of the match.
Boubacar Kamara (7)
Kamara produced another impressive display in Villa’s midfield, breaking up play and contributing with some excellent long passes. His defensive contributions were vital in keeping Juventus at bay.
Leon Bailey (6)
Bailey showed some improvement, contributing to Villa’s attack with dangerous runs in transition. He provided a key assist for McGinn, who was unlucky not to score.
Morgan Rogers (4)
Rogers had a forgettable performance, struggling to make any impact. He had a chance to score the winner, but his efforts were thwarted by a controversial refereeing decision.
John McGinn (6)
McGinn moved into a more advanced role and had some good moments. Though he was not at his best, he was dangerous in pockets of space and should have scored after being set up by Bailey.
Ollie Watkins (7)
Watkins was Villa’s most dangerous player, running the channels effectively and linking up play well. Though he didn’t score, his movement and work rate caused problems for Juventus’ defense throughout the match.
Substitutes:
Ross Barkley (6)
Barkley added energy in the midfield but was unable to make a significant impact in the closing stages of the game.
Jhon Duran (6)
Duran came on late but had little time to influence the match.
Jaden Philogene (N/A)
Philogene was not on the field long enough to make a meaningful impact.
