Vitor Pereira’s call to arms as Forest seize 1-0 Europa League edge over Villa | OneFootball

Vitor Pereira clenched his fists towards the City Ground before kick-off, and Nottingham Forest duly produced a night to savour, beating Aston Villa 1-0 in the Europa League semi-final first leg. Chris Wood buried a 71st-minute penalty to settle an absorbing contest.

According to Nottingham Post, European nights on the Trent carry a special aura, and this, Forest’s final home match of the competition, was no exception. The tie is only at half-time, with a formidable return at Villa Park to come and Istanbul within sight.

Wood had not missed from the spot since April 2016 with Leeds against Hull, and his run now stands at 28. After Lucas Digne’s handball, Morgan Gibbs-White handed him the ball and the New Zealander thumped past Emi Martinez.

Back fit after nearly six months out, Wood has been cast by Pereira as the final piece of Forest’s puzzle. The head coach feels his experience, goals and knack for pinning centre-backs open spaces for Morgan Gibbs-White, Igor Jesus and Neco Williams.

This was a collective effort built on spirit and unity. With injuries biting, Morato impressed at the back and Nicolas Dominguez shone in midfield as others stepped up.

Forest still hope Ibrahim Sangare, Murillo, Jair Cunha and Dan Ndoye return soon to deepen options, but Pereira says the mentality holds whoever plays. He framed the tie as half-time and vowed to go to Villa Park to compete again and try to win.

The Reds are nine unbeaten, with four successive victories. Attention turns to Chelsea in the capital on Monday before the quick turnaround for the reunion with Villa.

Source: Nottingham Post