Nottingham Forest secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Aston Villa in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final on Wednesday night at the City Ground. Chris Wood scored the only goal of the match in the 38th minute, heading in from close range after a cross from the right flank.
The match was marked by a controversial moment in the second half when Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne appeared to handle the ball inside the penalty area. Referee João Pinheiro reviewed the incident but did not award a penalty, ruling that the ball had gone out of play before the handball occurred.
Despite the defeat, Aston Villa will have the opportunity to overturn the deficit in the second leg at Villa Park. The winner of the tie will advance to the final of the competition.
