Emiliano Martinez starred in a drama-filled penalty shootout as Aston Villa beat Lille to reach the UEFA Europa League semi-finals after a late goal from Matty Cash in normal time . Villa led 2-1 in last week’s first leg, but goals from Jusuf Yazich and Benjamin Andre gave Lille a two-goal lead in the tie in northern France and a 3-2 win. Leading the way, their quest for a first European trophy since 1982 looked doomed.

A defensive error allowed Cash to level Villa with three minutes remaining, but Martinez showed off his trademark dark magic in the shootout, saving twice from the penalty spot before Emery’s side converted Won the battle 4-3.

“He is very important for us. He has his own personality and his personality in the dressing room is very important because he is an experienced leader. He has a very good mentality,” Emery said.

“On the pitch, he has his own personality and he performed well. He saved two penalties, so of course I’m very proud of him. I’m proud of all the players.”

The Argentinian goalkeeper was whistled loudly by the crowd throughout the game, saving penalties from Nabil Bentaleb and André, while his celebrations following the 2022 World Cup final victory over France were not forgotten by the crowd.

There was a confusing moment in the penalty shootout when he was shown a second yellow card for more antics, including putting his finger to his lips, but the rules state that any yellow card received during the game Will be reset before penalty kick begins.

It was a striking finish, with Lille quickly erasing Villa’s advantage, taking full advantage of the extra break provided by a side who beat Arsenal 2-0 on Sunday.

Lille starts strong

Yaziqi’s 15th-minute penalty brought Paulo Fonseca’s side level with two legs before Lille captain Andre converted a corner kick midway through the second half.

But a defensive snafu in the final minutes proved costly as the Ligue 1 club reached a major European semi-final for the first time.

Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier sent in a curling cross after a collision with Bentaleb. Cash scored the ball and Villa won with a total. The score was tied at 3-3.

Chevalier made up for his shortcomings with a fine save from Douglas Luiz in extra time, reacting quickly to tip the Brazilian’s header over the crossbar after blocking Leon Bailey’s powerful shot.

But after Chevalier saved Pele’s shot, Martinez had the final say in the penalty shootout that set up Villa’s last-four tie with Olympiacos.

Fiorentina, last season’s runner-up, defeated 10-man Vitoria Plzen 2-0 in overtime to return to the semifinals.

Kadu was sent off in the second half for a foul on the edge of Plzen’s penalty area, while Fiorentina added a late goal in the 92nd minute following a Nico Gonzalez shot.

Captain Cristiano Biraghi scored the second goal in the 108th minute to help Italy advance 2-0 on aggregate.

Spanish striker Ferran Jutra scored twice for Club Brugge in a 2-0 win over Greece as the Belgian side easily advanced 3-0 over two legs.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)