Wood penalty gives Forest slender semi-final lead after VAR drama

Chris Wood’s penalty for Nottingham Forest gives them a 1-0 advantage over Aston Villa following the first leg of their Europa League semi-final – after VAR drama at the City Ground.

Lucas Digne was adjudged to have handballed inside the penalty box despite the officials initially awarding a goal-kick to Villa. Replays showed that the ball was still in play when Omari Hutchinson hooked the ball against the Frenchman's stray arm.

Wood's spot-kick was too strong for Emiliano Martinez, the Aston Villa goalkeeper finally beaten after having produced a sensational stop in the first half. He not only kept out Igor Jesus' volley but then grasped hold of the ball before it crossed the line.

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Villa will wonder whether they did enough, despite Ollie Watkins being denied by Stefan Ortega at point-blank range. Unai Emery, the Europa League master, was happy for his side to slow the tempo for much of the contest - even once Forest had taken the lead.

Emery will hope that the atmosphere at Villa Park, where Forest have a poor record, will be very different. But this was Forest's night. The banner in the Trent End before kick-off celebrated those two European triumphs in 1979 and 1980. They're dreaming of a third.

More to follow.

What's coming up for Forest & Villa?

Before next Thursday's second leg at Villa Park, Aston Villa face Nottingham Forest's relegation rivals Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday; kick-off at 7pm.

Forest are also in Premier League action and face a trip to Chelsea on Monday, live on Sky Sports; kick-off at 3pm.