The first leg of the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League semi-final took place, with Aston Villa losing 0-1 to Nottingham Forest after conceding a penalty in the second half.


Two minutes into the match, Aston Villa created an attacking opportunity when Morgan Rodgers received a pass from Watkins in the penalty area and took a shot, but it was blocked by an opposing player. Shortly after, Nottingham Forest winger Omari Hutchinson delivered a cross, and Igor Jesus's shot was cleared.


In the 9th minute, Aston Villa intercepted the ball and continued their attack. Tielemans received the ball and took a long-range shot from the edge of the penalty area, but the ball was saved by Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. In the 17th minute, McGinn took a corner kick, and Pau Torres headed the ball but it went wide of the goal.


In the 23rd minute, Elliott Anderson passed the ball to Igor Jesus, whose long-range shot was blocked. In the 28th minute, Nottingham Forest continued their counter-attack. Omari Hutchinson crossed from the right wing into the penalty area, where Gibbs White followed up with a shot, but the ball went over the goal.


In the 33rd minute, Gibbs White made a cross, and Igor Jesus received the pass and took a powerful shot, but the angle was too straight and the ball was caught by Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.


In the 52nd minute of the second half, Nicolas Dominguez organized an attack, and Omari Hutchinson received the ball and shot from the penalty area, but it was cleared by Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.


In the 57th minute, Aston Villa launched a passing combination, and Watkins received the ball and shot from close range, but it was saved by Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. Digne's follow-up shot was also blocked.


In the 67th minute, Omari Hutchinson's pass struck Digne's hand, and after VAR intervention, the referee awarded Nottingham Forest a penalty. Chris Wood then converted the penalty, giving Nottingham Forest a 1-0 lead.


In the 75th minute, Digne crossed the ball, and Morgan Rodgers headed it but it went wide. In the 78th minute, Tielemans fouled Elliott Anderson while vying for possession and was shown a yellow card by the referee.


In the 89th minute, Omari Hutchinson chipped a pass into the penalty area, where Neco Williams headed the ball towards goal, but Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made the save. In the 90th minute, Morgan Rodgers gained possession and passed the ball to Tielemans, who took a long-range shot, but the ball went over the goal.


Ultimately, Aston Villa lost 0-1 to Nottingham Forest away from home.


Image source: Internet