Nottingham Forest will take a narrow lead into the second leg of their Europa League semi-final after a 1-0 win over Aston Villa at the City Ground.
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Wood penalty settles tight first leg
The only goal arrived in the 71st minute, when Chris Wood converted from the spot after a VAR review judged Lucas Digne to have handled inside the area.
Wood struck his effort right into the top-left corner, leaving Emiliano Martinez with no chance despite diving the right way.
It was a moment that finally broke the tension in a game that had been finely balanced for long spells, with both sides struggling to create many chances.
Martinez and Ortega keep it level early on
The first half offered chances at both ends without a breakthrough. Youri Tielemans forced Stefan Ortega into an early save from distance, while Morgan Rogers also tested the Forest goalkeeper during a lively Villa spell.
At the other end, Martinez produced the standout moment before the break. The Argentina international reacted sharply to claw away Igor Jesus’s close-range effort, somehow adjusting his body to keep the ball out when it looked certain to cross the line.
Forest carried a threat through Omari Hutchinson, whose direct running caused problems, but Villa’s defensive line was as strong as it has been all season under Unai Emery.
The key moment came midway through the second half. A looping delivery into the box led to appeals for handball, and after a review, the referee pointed to the spot. Digne was penalised, and Wood made no mistake with his finish.
Late pressure from Villa falls short
The visitors had opportunities to level in the closing stages. Tielemans fired over from a promising position after neat build-up play, while Jadon Sancho and Morgan Rogers both found space in advanced areas but could not produce the final pass.
Villa also threatened from set-pieces in stoppage time, but deliveries into the box failed to find a teammate, allowing Forest to hold on.
This remains a finely poised tie, but Forest will take confidence from protecting their lead at home. Villa, meanwhile, will feel they created enough to suggest they can respond in the return fixture.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: 101greatgoals.com
