Nottingham Forest 1-0 Aston Villa result - Chris Wood penalty gives hosts first-leg lead in all-English UEFA Europa League semi-final

Europa League / Semi-final

City Ground / 30.04.2026

Nottingham Forest

Finished

Aston Villa

C. Wood(71' PEN)

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Highlights

22:16

WOOD FIRES FOREST INTO FIRST-LEG LEAD

Chris Wood's second-half penalty ensured Nottingham Forest edged out Aston Villa in an all-English UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg at the City Ground.

Vitor Pereira's men marked Forest's first European semi-final appearance in 42 years with a crucial victory, as they take a coveted aggregate lead into next week's second leg at Villa Park.

The stand-out moment of a cagey first half came in the form of an outstanding save by Emiliano Martinez, who showed lightning fast reactions to keep out an Igor Jesus volley.

Meanwhile, Elliot Anderson was arguably fortunate to still be on the pitch after catching Ollie Watkins with his studs in a sliding challenge.

The only goal of the game arrived after VAR recommended a review for a handball offence committed by Lucas Digne in his attempt to stop Omari Hutchinson's cross.

Watch: Wood HAMMERS home after penalty VAR drama

Video credit: TNT Sports

Referee Joao Pinheiro pointed to the spot and Wood made no mistake in emphatically firing the ball past Martinez from 12 yards.

It's a result which leaves the tie firmly in the balance heading into the second leg at Villa Park next week.

Unai Emery's side will be confident of turning the tide in front of their own supporters, but it was nonetheless a frustrating night for The Villans.

They will also be sweating on the fitness of Amadou Onana, who was forced off with a hamstring problem, as they prepare for the visit of Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday - live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

Meanwhile, Forest turn their attention to a trip to Stamford Bridge on Monday, and have an injury concern of their own after Ola Aina was withdrawn in the second half.

Highlights: Wood profits from bizarre handball as Forest net first-leg win over Villa

Video credit: TNT Sports

22:10

PEREIRA HAILS ' A SPECIAL GROUP OF PLAYERS'

The Forest boss told TNT Sports: "Very tough team, very tough team, but I thought we competed with them. Playing football, trying to score, they tried to score. It was a good game.

We have some time to recover a bit before the game against Chelsea [in the Premier League]. This is a special group of players.

On the tactical battle with Emery: "[Unai] Emery is a top manager. He’s been with this team for a long time. We have been together for a short time, but in the end, it was a good fight.

I am very competitive and that’s why I like to be here in the Premier League, to compete with this type of manager. In the end, I have the honour and privilege to be the manager of these boys.

They are a fantastic group, spirit, facing four managers in a season. Finishing in this level, competing in this level together with a united team with spirit and quality, this is an honour for me.

Image credit: Getty Images

22:00

WOOD PLEASED TO HAVE THE ADVANTAGE

The Forest striker gave his post-match assessment on the game to TNT Sports.

It’s one leg of a two-legged tie. It’s nice to have the advantage, but going to Villa Park is going to be a tough game; they’re good at their place. We done the job here at home and hopefully we can build on it for next week.

On the penalty decision: "In cup competitions, they come down to small margins and small moments at times. The teams couldn’t be split, both teams played very well, but it’s small moments that can change games and hopefully it went in our favour tonight.

On the penalty: "I tried to be [calm], that’s what I have to do and that’s what I try and do. That’s the job and responsibility the team give me.

On his fitness: "I want to be back fit and firing and helping the team as best as I can until the end of the season. I knew we had a lot to play for when I was fighting to get fit.

Image credit: Getty Images

21:55

WHAT LIVE FOOTBALL IS ON TNT SPORTS AND HBO MAX?

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TNT Sports continues to be distributed via existing partners in the UK & Ireland. Fans who subscribe to TNT Sports via partners in the UK can access it on HBO Max.

Premier League

How to watch Aston Villa v Spurs on TNT Sports and HBO Max

01/05/2026 at 15:25

90+6'

FULL-TIME: NOTTINGHAM FOREST 1-0 ASTON VILLA

It's advantage Forest heading into next week's second leg!

Watch: Wood HAMMERS home after penalty VAR drama

Video credit: TNT Sports

90+5'

SANCHO SHOOTS STRAIGHT AT ORTEGA

Sancho takes advantage of some space on the edge of the box, but can only fire his shot straight at Ortega.

90+1'

FIVE MINUTES OF ADDED TIME

90'

YATES REPLACES JESUS

The Forest captain replaces Jesus heading into the closing stages.

Substitution in

R. Yates

Nottingham Forest

Substitution out

I. Jesus

Nottingham Forest

90'

OVER FROM TIELEMANS

That was high, wide and not very handsome from Tielemans!

The Belgian takes a brilliant touch to take Rogers' pass into his stride, but fires his resulting effort well over the target.

87'

THE PENALTY INCIDENT

Here's are the events which led to Wood's penalty.

The handball offence was deemed to have taken place in the area after a VAR review.

79'

MAATSEN REPLACES BUENDIA

Substitution in

I. Maatsen

Aston Villa

Substitution out

E. Buendia

Aston Villa

79'

SANCHO REPLACES MCGINN

Substitution in

J. Sancho

Aston Villa

Substitution out

J. McGinn

Aston Villa

79'

EMERY RINGS IN THE CHANGES

Emery reshuffles his pack, with Luiz replacing Digne in the first of three Villa changes.

Substitution in

Douglas Luiz

Aston Villa

Substitution out

L. Digne

Aston Villa

78'

TIELEMANS BOOKED

The Belgian receives the first yellow card of the match for going in late on Anderson.

Yellow card

Y. Tielemans

Aston Villa

78'

MCCOIST ON WOOD'S PENALTY

That, categorically, is how you take a penalty. There could have been two Martinezes in there, that was beautifully struck, giving the goalkeeper absolutely no chance whatsoever.

"We can discuss what Digne’s hands are doing up there in the first place, but once it hits his hands and the ball isn't out of play, then the penalty is given. Wood lifts it and he smashes it, no chance."