Tense Draw: Aston Villa and Ajax Share Spoils in Last-16 Clash

Aston Villa and Ajax played to a goalless draw in the first leg of their Europa Conference League last-16 tie. The match featured few clear chances with both teams reduced to 10 players in the final 10 minutes after Ezri Konsa and Tristan Gooijer received second yellow cards.

Aston Villa’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a crucial save to deny Kenneth Taylor’s left-footed strike. The second leg will take place at Villa Park and manager Unai Emery aims to secure his fifth European trophy. Despite the draw, Villa has been formidable at home this season setting a record of 15 consecutive home league wins.

Ajax having struggled in away games in the Europa League seeks a better performance in the return leg. Emery expressed satisfaction with the result acknowledging room for improvement in the upcoming match.