Overview

• Aston Villa faces Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-final, marking their first appearance at this stage since 1983.
• Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez wore a cap featuring Argentina's trophies and a French emblem, escalating tensions with French fans ahead of the match.
• Martinez has been a polarizing figure in France since his controversial actions during the 2022 World Cup final penalty shootout against the French national team.
• Manager Unai Emery defended Martinez, highlighting his maturity and focus on controlling emotions, while urging respect among fans and players.
• Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans called on PSG fans to keep any criticism of Martinez within the boundaries of football, expressing confidence in the team's preparation and strategy.