Chris Wood struck his 200th career goal as Nottingham Forest claimed a vital first-leg advantage over Aston Villa in their Europa League semi-final clash.
The striker’s 71st-minute penalty awarded after Lucas Digne’s costly handball proved decisive, giving Vitor Pereira’s side a narrow lead to defend at Villa Park in next week’s return leg.
Wood’s landmark goal capped an inspiring comeback season after six months on the sidelines with a knee injury.
Earlier, Emiliano Martinez produced a stunning goal-line save to deny Igor Jesus in the 33rd minute, keeping Villa level in a tense contest.
Aston Villa, who beat Forest 3-1 at Villa Park in January, now face the challenge of overturning the deficit as Unai Emery chases a fifth Europa League title.
Stefan Ortega was also in fine form for Forest, making key saves against Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, and Ollie Watkins to preserve the clean sheet.
The breakthrough finally came when Digne inexplicably handled the ball in the box as Omari Hutchinson tried to keep it alive. VAR confirmed the ball had not fully crossed the line, making it a valid handball and gifting Wood the chance to fire home the winner.
