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.
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.