French media criticism of Dibu after Aston Villa's defeat

The 3-1 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes left Aston Villa almost eliminated from the Champions League. The French media, traumatized with Dibu Martínez, echoed the result and criticized the world champion goalkeeper.

Emiliano Martínez prevented the series from being practically decided thanks to several key interventions. However, his performance and the tense clash with the local crowd captured the attention of the main European media and local fans.

The "bitter welcome" to the Argentine goalkeeper was reflected in a barrage of boos, whistles, and insults both before and during the match, with an especially hostile chant that Lionel Messi had already suffered during his time at PSG: "Martínez, son of a bitch...".

From the stadium, ESPN journalist Moisés Llorens provided more details about what was experienced: "Very tough. From the first moment they remembered Dibu's mother, Martínez's wife, and that's how they were throughout the match. Dibu hurt them a lot, not just the Argentine national team in the World Cup final or Lionel Messi... Dibu drove them crazy, completely unsettled them. I doubt he can come to France with peace of mind".

The newspaper Le Parisien focused on the striking look with which the goalkeeper arrived in France: "Emiliano Martínez may have dyed his hair in Argentine colors to mock the French, but he was no match for Paris Saint-Germain's forwards". It also highlighted the tension that reigned upon his arrival at the stadium, where he was whistled at and "heavily insulted".

From England, the tabloid The Sun also mentioned the new style of the Mar del Plata native after the goal that sealed the match: "Nuno Mendes sat Emi Martínez down before scoring PSG's third goal against Aston Villa. A reminder that the goalkeeper appeared with the Argentine flag in his hair".

RMC Sport, meanwhile, did not overlook Dibu's supposed provocation before the match: "The goalkeeper inaugurated hostilities by wearing a cap with Argentina's colors and a crest representing all the trophies won with the national team. All with a rooster, France's emblem, as a logo".

Dibu's post

Although L’Équipe already highlighted in its digital edition that PSG's victory left it "with a view to the semifinals",  Emiliano Martínez did not give up and, through a social media post, made it clear that the series is not closed, reminding that they need a three-goal victory to advance in 90 minutes: "We can do it at home".

From the locker room, his teammate Matthew Cash also emphatically supported him during an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live: "He's a huge character. I wouldn't want anyone else in goal. He brings that experience and character to the team. Tonight, he made some fantastic saves; it's fantastic to have him as a goalkeeper".