WATKINS HEADER GIVES VILLA EUROPA EDGE! Forest stunned as English sides struggle in Europe
Ollie Watkins’ second half header earned Aston Villa a crucial 1-0 win over Lille in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie, the ONLY English victory in Europe this week .
Villa became the first Premier League side to win a first leg knockout game after a miserable week for English clubs . Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool all lost in the Champions League. Arsenal and Newcastle could only draw.
THE WATKINS MOMENT
Just past the hour mark, Ezri Konsa sent a deep pass that Emi Buendía headed to Watkins in the Lille box. The England forward spotted keeper Berke Özer off his line and looped a header over him and into the net .
Minutes later, Watkins had a chance to double the lead but failed to score one on one with the keeper . Still, 1-0 away from home is a solid result.
THE BOOST
Villa were also boosted by the return of captain John McGinn, who came on as a 77th minute substitute after seven weeks out with a knee injury . That’s a massive lift for Unai Emery’s side ahead of the second leg.
FOREST STUNNED
Nottingham Forest suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Danish side Midtjylland their second loss to the same opponents at the City Ground this season after October’s group stage .
Guesung Cho headed in an 80th minute winner amid heavy rain . Forest pressed throughout but couldn’t find a way through. Now they face a tough job in Denmark, with a crucial Premier League game against Fulham on Sunday in between.
THE REST
Elsewhere in the Europa League:
Lyon rescued a 1-1 draw at 10 man Celta Vigo through Endrick’s late strike
Bologna and Roma drew 1-1 in an all Italian derby
Porto took a 2-1 lead to Stuttgart
Freiburg lost 1-0 at Genk
Panathinaikos beat 10 man Real Betis 1-0 with a late penalty
Ferencváros beat Braga 2-0 in Budapest
CONFERENCE LEAGUE
Crystal Palace were held 0-0 at home by AEK Larnaca . Fiorentina needed a stoppage time penalty to beat Rakow 2-1. AEK Athens are in sight of the quarterfinals after a 4-0 win at Celje.
THE VERDICT
A brutal week for English clubs in Europe. Only Villa flying the flag with a win.
Watkins’ header keeps their hopes alive. Forest have it all to do. And the Champions League sides have mountains to climb.
Not ideal. But that’s football.