EMI PENS NEW TALE OF GLORY

COMETH the hour, cometh the man for a penalty shoot-out. Emi Martinez was at it again last night.

- NEIL MOXLEY

LILLE 2

ASTON VILLA 1 

AET: Agg 3-3 – Villa win 4-3 on penalties

The Argentine No.1, who established himself as the go-to guy during his country’s World Cup win 16 months ago, dipped into his book of the dark arts again to ensure Aston Villa emerged triumphant.

He saved two spot-kicks to send Unai Emery’s side through – but that told only half the story of a sizzling shoot-out.

This tie had seesawed from one side to the other during a fascinating two-hour battle of wits but it was only when penalties began that the drama was ramped up a notch.

The details of the match are almost incidental.