Lille 0-1 Aston Villa: Watkins 61
In a week when English teams have struggled in Europe, up step Aston Villa as one of the shining lights. Ollie Watkins had not scored in eight matches, but here in France he put the drought aside with a clever header on the hour to secure a vital advantage for Unai Emery’s side ahead of the return leg next week.
The Stade Pierre-Mauroy was an unwelcoming venue for this Europa League last-16 tie, at the beginning featuring an imposing tifo of Joan of Arc brandishing a sword with the words French never die. Ironically, the real-life figure went down at the hands of the English and here too Villa were determined to prevail.
There were chances. Morgan Rogers’ clipped ball from the right failed to find the top corner. Amadou Onana’s dangerous cross was cleared by Aissa Mandi with Watkins lurking after Rogers once again created space.
Olivier Giroud’s tricky header was the only meaningful attempt for Lille before the break but they rallied and were better in the second period.
Great, then, that on the hour Watkins broke the deadlock in favour of the visiting side. Ezri Konsa flighted the ball 40 yards upfield and Emily Buendia had no right to out-jump Chancel Mbemba and win the header, but he did and the ball floated to Watkins, who expertly cushioned it over goalkeeper Berke Ozer, who had strayed off his line.
There was a chance shortly after to make it two and really press home the advantage. Watkins ran through and had acres of space in front of him. Ozer rushed out and instead of hitting it directly Watkins opted to round the goalkeeper. He got the ball past him but was unable to follow, falling over after clashing with the goalkeeper but there had been little interference from Ozer and no penalty was given.
The opportunity went begging and now Lille piled on the pressure. Villa looked every minute likely to concede but they managed to hold on.
