Emiliano Martínez Plays Final with Broken Finger as Villa Wins

Emiliano Martínez, the 33‑year‑old goalkeeper of Aston Villa, entered the Europa League final with a broken finger. The injury occurred during the warm‑up ahead of the match against SC Freiburg, but Martínez started and completed the full 90 minutes. The fracture was sustained in the pre‑match preparation, yet the Spanish international remained on the field despite the pain. His decision to play was confirmed before kickoff, and he stayed between the posts for the entire contest. Martínez’s experience was a key factor for Villa in a high‑stakes final. At 33, he has previously featured in major tournaments and brought composure to the defensive line. Aston Villa secured a 3‑0 victory over SC Freiburg, keeping a clean sheet throughout the game. Martínez’s saves contributed to the shutout, reinforcing the team's defensive solidity. The three‑goal margin highlighted Villa’s dominance in the match. Freiburg struggled to create clear chances, and Villa’s attack capitalised on the opportunities. The win awarded Aston Villa the Europa League trophy, marking a major achievement for the club. Martínez’s willingness to play through injury underscored his commitment to the triumph.