Chris Wood converted a 71st-minute penalty to secure Nottingham Forest a narrow 1-0 triumph over Aston Villa in their Europa League semi-final first leg at the City Ground on Thursday evening.
The decisive moment arrived following VAR drama surrounding Lucas Digne's handball inside the area. Officials had initially signalled a goal-kick for Villa, but video replays confirmed the ball remained in play when Omari Hutchinson attempted to hook it back into the box.
The French defender inexplicably raised his arms as the ball appeared to be drifting out, with technology determining it had not fully crossed the line.
Vitor Pereira's side now carry a slender advantage to Villa Park for next week's return fixture, where Unai Emery's men must overturn the deficit.
Chris Wood scored from the penalty spot after Lucas Digne handled in the box
|REUTERS
Both goalkeepers produced outstanding performances throughout the contest. Emiliano Martinez delivered a sensational stop in the 33rd minute, clawing Igor Jesus's volley off the line before grasping the ball to prevent it crossing.
At the opposite end, Stefan Ortega denied Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers before half-time, while also keeping out Ollie Watkins's close-range effort after the interval.
The breakthrough came when Digne suffered a rush of blood. As Hutchinson's deep delivery appeared destined to drift harmlessly out of play, the left-back inexplicably lifted his arms and made contact with the ball.
VAR confirmed the ball had not completely crossed the byline, meaning play was still live when the handball occurred. Wood stepped up and struck his penalty with sufficient power to beat Martinez.
Wood spoke to TNT Sports following the victory, acknowledging the challenge ahead: "It's one leg of the tie. It's nice to have the advantage but going to Villa Park will be a tough game. They're good at their place. But we've done the job here at home and now hopefully we'll build into next week."
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The striker reflected on the decisive spot-kick: "It's cup competitions. They come down to small margins at times. Both teams played very well. But it's small moments that can potentially change games."
Regarding his composure from twelve yards, Wood stated: "That's what I have to do and that's what I try to do. It's the job, the responsibility that my team gives me."
The New Zealand international also discussed his return from a significant injury layoff: "I wanted to get back fit and firing to help my team as best as I can at the end of the season."
Aston Villa face an uphill battle to reach the Europa League final now
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Wood added that he knew there was plenty at stake during his rehabilitation: "We're in the crunch end of the season. We need to perform on both parts and we'll be looking to do that for sure."
Forest manager Pereira praised his squad's character in his post-match interview with TNT Sports: "I had the privilege to be the manager of these boys, they are a fantastic group. Spirit, four managers in a season, and finishing at this level, competing at this level together and united. This is a honour for me."
Villa are pursuing their first major silverware in three decades. The defeat represented only Emery's second loss in his previous 28 Europa League matches, despite having claimed the trophy on four occasions.
Both sides return to Premier League action before the second leg, with Villa hosting Tottenham on Sunday and Forest travelling to Chelsea on Monday.