Going into a shootout with him already feels like you have a lead, knowing he's good to save a couple.

Tiago Santos ticked the boxes

I think that will be the case for quite a few of their players.  Seems to happen to team like Lille, Monaco, Ajax etc.  They build a great team, then sell them all.

Loved Luiz telling the ref to just get out of his face and blow the whistle for his penalty last night, and then still doing his customary thing of waiting until he was ready to start his run up - that pause he does after the refs whistle seems to me to be psychological and all about him taking it when he’s ready, not anyone else. Watkins’ effort, I’ve rewatched it a few times to see if the slip affected the trajectory of the shot, it’s hard to tell as the slip seems largely to occur after the strike but who knows, I wrote in the match thread that I wondered if whether he scored or not would have a bearing on his selection for the Euros and it’s a shame he slipped as it may cloud safegates (already clouded) judgement. What a buzz it was though to win that way, Martinez is such a character and such a good keeper, we are so so fortunate to have him, long may it continue.

I do think he will come good but the one concern I have is how easy it can be to nullify him physically due to his size. I think the onus is on us to give him better service to use his speed and dribbling ability more.

Never in doubt was it? Dibu was not going to ever be on the losing side of that penalty shoot out. Matty had a great return to the team, scoring twice. Top teams find a way to win, even on their "off" nights. It continues we're flying the flag, all the way to Athens and we will be running round the Bull Ring with the cup:

We’ve already picked up Gauci but Chevalier has impressed in both legs. Can’t see him staying at Lille long. 

it was Jim....but it still ended 3-3 for all the praise they got, and the time off to help them. With a depleted squad, and arduous, league games....these boys deserve a lot of credit. I was frustrated with some of the play....but tempered those thoughts with the circumstances.....it was a determined effort, if not refined. We are the only man left standing.....I think our league shows how it takes it out of them.....and unlike other national authorities, our lot don't help. The last few games have shown a bucket load of character, fight and determination.....I was actually proud of them, over these games. I often talk on here of the basic arts, which some folk think are a given......well, they are not, but our boys showed they have it. The lads showed great spirit, led by an unbelievable goalkeeper. PS The Run in, and the final in 1982 showed some nervy moments, too......but the records only show the win....it's all that matters.

Didn't we sell one of them to City for £100m? 🤣

hostile atmosphere apparently