Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez revealed he broke a finger during the warm-up before the Europa League final against SC Freiburg in Istanbul. The injury happened only moments before kick-off, forcing the Argentina international to receive treatment from the club physio before the match began.
Despite the setback, the 33-year-old stayed in the starting line-up and completed the entire game as Villa secured a 3-0 victory. It marked the club’s first European trophy in 44 years and ended a three-decade wait for major silverware.
Villa controlled the final thanks to goals from Youri Tielemans, Emi Buendia, and Morgan Rogers. Martinez was rarely tested but still produced two saves during the match.
The goalkeeper admitted the injury affected him throughout the contest, saying every time he caught the ball, it moved awkwardly because of the damaged finger.
Martinez battles through pain
Martinez explained after the final that he had never previously suffered a broken finger. Even so, he insisted difficult moments often motivate him and said he was proud to continue representing Aston Villa despite the pain.
The Argentine described the situation as another challenge he simply had to overcome. Although handling the ball became uncomfortable, he refused to let the injury force him off the pitch during one of the biggest matches of Villa’s recent history.
His determination helped Villa complete a dominant performance in Istanbul, where the Premier League side never allowed Freiburg back into the game after taking control in the first half.
The victory also continued Martinez’s remarkable record in finals during his career.
Celebrations continue in Istanbul
The hand injury did not prevent Martinez from taking part in the celebrations after the final whistle. Following Villa’s triumph, he joined supporters in the stands and later lifted manager Unai Emery into the air during the festivities.
Emery secured another Europa League title with the win, while Villa celebrated their first major trophy in 30 years. The success capped an unforgettable night for the club and its supporters in Turkey.
Several Villa players starred during the final, but Martinez’s willingness to continue despite the injury became one of the main talking points after the match.
The goalkeeper’s display added another memorable chapter to a career already filled with success on the biggest stages.
Concern ahead of World Cup
Argentina will now wait to discover the seriousness of Martinez’s injury before next month’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The national team squad is expected to be announced soon, placing extra focus on the goalkeeper’s condition.
Martinez has built a reputation for delivering in major matches and has now won every final he has appeared in during his career. That run includes victories in the FA Cup final, the World Cup final, two Copa America finals, and now the Europa League final with Aston Villa.
His latest medal arrived after another resilient performance, with the goalkeeper refusing to allow a painful injury to end his night early.