Morgan Rogers saw a dramatic late winner ruled out as Aston Villa were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw against Juventus in the Champions League, extending Unai Emery’s winless run to seven matches in all competitions. The disallowed goal, due to a foul in the buildup, capped off an evening of missed opportunities and growing frustration for the Villa faithful.
Emery, who has not experienced such a prolonged winless stretch since taking charge in 2022, could only watch as his side struggled to break down a resolute Juventus defense. The hosts came close to breaking the deadlock in the first half when Lucas Digne’s curling free-kick grazed the crossbar, leaving Villa Park gasping in anticipation. Ollie Watkins also tested Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio with a sharp snapshot, but the Italian shot-stopper was equal to it.
Despite dominating possession, Villa lacked precision and ruthlessness in the final third, a recurring issue during their current slump. As the clock ticked on, the tension in the stadium grew, but the breakthrough never came. Meanwhile, Juventus, largely passive for much of the game, came close to snatching a goal on a rare counterattack. Francisco Conceicao’s powerful header was spectacularly denied by Emiliano Martinez’s outstretched arm, a save that kept Villa in the contest.
The second half saw more missed opportunities for the hosts. Di Gregorio denied John McGinn from close range, but Villa’s lack of creativity and sharpness left the Juventus defense untroubled for long stretches. When Rogers finally appeared to have won it for Villa with a late strike, celebrations erupted—only to be cut short after a lengthy VAR review determined there had been a foul in the buildup.
The decision sparked confusion and dismay among the home fans, compounding their misery on what proved to be another frustrating night for Emery’s side. The goalless draw leaves Villa struggling to regain form and momentum as their Champions League hopes hang in the balance.
