Villa held by Ajax in Conference League First leg

Aston Villa were held to a goalless draw by Ajax in the first leg of their Europa Conference League last-16 tie.

Both sides finished the game with 10 players after Villa’s Ezri Konsa and Ajax defender Tristan Gooijer were both shown a second yellow card in the final 10 minutes.

Emiliano Martinez produced the save of the match midway through the second half to keep out Kenneth Taylor’s left-footed strike that seemed destined for the back of the net.

The second leg is at Villa Park in a week’s time as Villa manager Unai Emery will look to extend his quest for a fifth European trophy of his career.