The UEFA Europa League semi-final brings together Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa in a key first-leg clash at the City Ground. The game took place at the City Ground on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Europa League Semi Final live coverage followed a tight and competitive opening,
This tie marks an important stage in the Europa League season. Both teams seek to gain an edge before the second leg. Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa live coverage focuses on key moments, team performance, and match flow as both sides compete for a place in the final.
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Lineup and Team News
The Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Europa League Semi-Final live lineups have both teams in a 4-2-3-1 setup. Nottingham Forest started Stefan Ortega in goal, continuing the trend in European matches, while Igor Jesus led the attack.
Forest lineup: Stefan Ortega; Ola Aina, Nikola Milenković, Morato, Neco Williams; Ibrahima Sangaré, Elliot Anderson; Omari Hutchinson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Dan Ndoye; Igor Jesus.
>Aston Villa named Emiliano Martínez in goal, with Lamare Bogarde starting in midfield alongside Youri Tielemans after Amadou Onana was not fit to start.
Villa lineup: Emiliano Martínez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne; Lamare Bogarde, Youri Tielemans; John McGinn, Morgan Rogers, Emiliano Buendía; Ollie Watkins.
Nottingham Forest remained without Murillo and Callum Hudson-Odoi due to injury. Aston Villa missed Boubacar Kamara, while Alysson was not registered for the knockout stage.
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Europa League Semi-Final Results Today: First Half Recap
The first half ended without a goal as Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa remained level at 0–0 in their Europa League semi-final first leg at the City Ground. The opening stages saw Aston Villa apply early pressure, with Morgan Rogers’ effort blocked inside two minutes. Shortly after, Youri Tielemans forced a strong save from Stefan Ortega with a powerful strike.
Nottingham Forest responded as the half progressed. Igor Jesus and Elliot Anderson both tested Emiliano Martínez, but neither could convert. The game remained tight, with both teams showing defensive discipline and limiting clear chances.
Forest’s Ola Aina and Neco Williams stood out defensively, helping contain Villa’s attacks. At halftime, Forest held 47% possession compared to Villa’s 53%, with shots at 3–2. The scoreline reflected a balanced and cautious first half.
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Result Today, Goals, Stats, and Full-Time Update
Nottingham Forest secured a 1-0 win over Aston Villa in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final at the City Ground. The Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa result today was decided by a second-half penalty from Chris Wood.
Nottm Forest 1–0 Aston Villa (Full-time)
Europa League Semi-final · Leg 1 of 2
Goal: C. Wood (71′ P)
The second half saw a more controlled approach from both teams. Nottingham Forest stayed compact and limited Aston Villa’s attacking chances before finding the breakthrough.
In the 71st minute, Chris Wood scored from the penalty spot, sending the ball high into the top left corner. The penalty was awarded after a VAR review confirmed a handball by Lucas Digne.
At 78 minutes, Youri Tielemans received the first yellow card for a late challenge on Elliot Anderson. A minute later, Aston Villa made a triple substitution, with Douglas Luiz, Jadon Sancho, and Ian Maatsen coming on for Digne, John McGinn, and Emiliano Buendía.
Forest continued to defend effectively. In the 81st minute, Wood cleared a dangerous free-kick delivery from Douglas Luiz. The match ended after five minutes of added time, with Forest holding their lead.
The Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa stats show a close contest. Forest finished with seven total shots and two on target. Aston Villa had five shots, with three on target. Possession slightly favored Villa at 53 percent, compared to 47 percent for Forest. Villa also had two corners to Forest’s one. Both teams made three saves.
This Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa result today gives Forest a narrow advantage heading into the second leg.
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Europa League Semi Final Results Today: Live Score, Updates, Stats