Aston Villa will take a narrow 2-1 lead back to Lille following the first leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final at Villa Park.
Ollie Watkins headed Villa in front from John McGinn’s corner early on and McGinn’s deflected shot early in the second half doubled the advantage for Unai Emery’s side on the occasion of his 1000th game in management.
But Lille, who squandered a number of good opportunities in the first half and saw Gabriel Gudmundsson’s goal ruled out for offside following a VAR check in the second, finally had their reward late in the game through Bafode Diakite’s header.
It made for muted celebrations at the final whistle, an awareness that this tie is in the balance. There is work to do in France.
Player ratings
Aston Villa: Martinez (8), Konsa (7), Diego Carlos (6), Pau Torres (6), Digne (6), Douglas Luiz (6), Tielemans (6), Rogers (7), McGinn (7), Bailey (6), Watkins (7).
Subs: Zaniolo (6), Moreno (6), Diaby (6), Iroegbunam (n/a), Duran (n/a).
Lille: Chevalier (6), Tiago Santos (7), Diakite (7), Yoro (6), Ismaily (6), Bentaleb (6), Andre (6), Zhegrova (6), Haraldsson (6), Gudmundsson (7), David (5).
Subs: Yazici (6), Cabella (7), Gomes (6), Alexsandro (n/a).
Player of the match: Emiliano Martinez.
Source – A Villa 2 – 1 Lille – Match Report & Highlights (skysports.com)
