Player Details:
Name: Marcus Edge
Age: 17
Height: 5'8
Position: LW/LM
Current stats:
Pace-95
Dribbling-89
Shooting-86
Passing-86
Physicalilty-65
Acceleration-81
Agility-81
Reaction-69
Vision-79
Positioning-75
Stamina-89
Ball Control-78
Finishing-89
Crossing-87
Overall-87
Goals-37
Assists-26
This Season:
Games-25
Goals-17
Assists-18
Playstyle- 1) Quick Step +
2) Finesse Shot +
With Marcus out due to injury, Aston Villa faced a daunting challenge in the Champions League quarter-finals against Atletico Madrid. The draw was made, and the team knew they had to step up their game without their star player. The Round of 16 had been relatively easier, but Atletico Madrid presented a formidable obstacle.
Before the first leg, Unai Emery gathered the team for a crucial pep talk. His voice was filled with determination as he addressed the players. "Listen up, boys. This is our chance to show what we're made of. I know it's an away match, but that's not an excuse. I want you all to finish the job in this match only. We don't even want to fight it in the second leg. Just kill them in the first leg itself like they won't even have a chance later on. Am I clear?"
The players responded with a resounding cheer, their spirits lifted by Emery's words. They knew the importance of this match and were ready to give their all.
Champions League- Quarter Finals
The First Leg: Atletico Madrid vs. Aston Villa
The first leg kicked off with both teams displaying caution and discipline. Atletico Madrid, known for their defensive solidity, posed a significant challenge. However, Villa kept their composure, defending well and maintaining their shape. The first half was a tactical battle, with neither side able to break the deadlock. The halftime whistle blew with the score level at 0-0.
As the second half began, Aston Villa came out with renewed determination. The players knew they had to capitalize on any opportunity that came their way. In the 55th minute, a well-executed counter-attack saw John McGinn intercept a pass in midfield. He quickly released a through ball to Jacob Ramsey, who sprinted down the right flank. Ramsey delivered a low cross into the box, and Ollie Watkins timed his run perfectly. Watkins met the ball with a first-time strike, sending it into the bottom corner of the net. The stadium fell silent as Villa took the lead, 1-0.
The goal injected confidence into the Villa players, and they continued to press forward. In the 70th minute, a corner kick from Martin Ødegaard found Tyrone Mings at the far post. Mings rose above the defenders and headed the ball towards goal. The Atletico goalkeeper managed to parry it, but the ball fell to Douglas Luiz, who reacted quickly to slot it into the net. The score was now 2-0, and Villa was in control.
The final whistle blew, and Aston Villa celebrated a hard-fought 2-0 victory. The players hugged each other, knowing they had secured a crucial advantage for the home leg. The win was a testament to their resilience and determination, and they had shown that they could step up in Marcus's absence.
The 2-0 win in the first leg gave Aston Villa a significant advantage heading into the home game. The players knew they had to remain focused and finish the job in the second leg. The fans were elated, and the belief that Villa could advance to the semi-finals grew stronger.
The second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals had arrived, and the atmosphere at Villa Park was electric. Aston Villa were in a strong position with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg against Atletico Madrid. The team knew that playing at home was a significant advantage, but they couldn't let their guard down.
Unai Emery made several changes to the starting lineup, resting key players to keep them fresh for upcoming Premier League matches. The second string players were given a chance to prove themselves on this big stage.
Champions League- Quarter Finals
Second Leg- Aston Villa v/s Atletico Madrid
The match kicked off with Atletico Madrid showing their intent to overturn the deficit. The first half was a tense affair, with both teams battling for control. Villa's defense, led by Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa, tried to hold their ground, but the absence of first-team regulars was evident. In the 25th minute, Atletico found a breakthrough. João Félix received a cross from Kieran Trippier and slotted it past Emiliano Martinez to make it 1-0. The aggregate score was now 2-1, and the pressure was mounting on Aston Villa.
The halftime whistle blew, and Emery knew changes were needed. He made decisive substitutions, bringing on first-team players to strengthen the squad. Martin Ødegaard, John McGinn, and Ollie Watkins entered the pitch, ready to make an impact.
The Second Half:
The second half began with renewed vigor from Aston Villa. The introduction of key players brought a sense of stability and composure. Villa's defense tightened up, and the midfield began to control the tempo of the game.
In the 60th minute, Atletico Madrid pushed forward with urgency, knowing they needed another goal to level the aggregate score. Villa's backline, however, was resolute. Mings and Konsa made crucial interceptions, and Martinez pulled off a stunning save to deny Luis Suárez.
As the minutes ticked away, Villa focused on maintaining their defensive discipline. The midfield trio of Luiz, McGinn, and Ramsey worked tirelessly to break up Atletico's attacks and regain possession. The fans' support was unwavering, and their chants echoed throughout Villa Park, motivating the players.
In the 75th minute, Villa had a chance to seal the tie. A quick counter-attack saw Ødegaard play a through ball to Watkins, who found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Unfortunately, his shot was saved, but Villa remained in control.
The final whistle blew, and the match ended 1-0 in favor of Atletico Madrid. Despite the defeat, Aston Villa's 2-1 aggregate victory meant they were through to the semi-finals of the Champions League. The players and fans erupted in celebration, their hard-fought resilience paying off.
The journey to the semi-finals was a testament to Aston Villa's growth as a team. From being a mid-table club just a few years ago to competing at the highest level in Europe, the transformation was remarkable. The belief that Villa could achieve greatness had become a reality.
As the players celebrated on the pitch, Emery gathered them for a brief talk. "This is just the beginning, boys," he said, his voice filled with pride. "We've shown the world what we're capable of. Now, let's keep pushing and make history."
The next chapter Aston Villa plays in the Premier League and then finally MARCUS is back in action, he will be back for the Semis of the Champions League and the remaining matches of the Premier League.
Stay Tuned.