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NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 12: Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa at City Ground on April 12, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images)

The UEFA Europa League semi-final brings together Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa in a key first-leg clash at the City Ground. The game took place at the City Ground on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Europa League Semi Final live coverage followed a tight and competitive opening,

This tie marks an important stage in the Europa League season. Both teams seek to gain an edge before the second leg. Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa live coverage focuses on key moments, team performance, and match flow as both sides compete for a place in the final.

Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Lineup and Team News

The Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Europa League Semi-Final live lineups have both teams in a 4-2-3-1 setup. Nottingham Forest started Stefan Ortega in goal, continuing the trend in European matches, while Igor Jesus led the attack.

Forest lineup: Stefan Ortega; Ola Aina, Nikola Milenković, Morato, Neco Williams; Ibrahima Sangaré, Elliot Anderson; Omari Hutchinson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Dan Ndoye; Igor Jesus.
>Aston Villa named Emiliano Martínez in goal, with Lamare Bogarde starting in midfield alongside Youri Tielemans after Amadou Onana was not fit to start.

Villa lineup: Emiliano Martínez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne; Lamare Bogarde, Youri Tielemans; John McGinn, Morgan Rogers, Emiliano Buendía; Ollie Watkins.
Nottingham Forest remained without Murillo and Callum Hudson-Odoi due to injury. Aston Villa missed Boubacar Kamara, while Alysson was not registered for the knockout stage.

Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Europa League Semi-Final Results Today: First Half Recap

The first half ended without a goal as Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa remained level at 0–0 in their Europa League semi-final first leg at the City Ground. The opening stages saw Aston Villa apply early pressure, with Morgan Rogers’ effort blocked inside two minutes. Shortly after, Youri Tielemans forced a strong save from Stefan Ortega with a powerful strike.

Nottingham Forest responded as the half progressed. Igor Jesus and Elliot Anderson both tested Emiliano Martínez, but neither could convert. The game remained tight, with both teams showing defensive discipline and limiting clear chances.

Forest’s Ola Aina and Neco Williams stood out defensively, helping contain Villa’s attacks. At halftime, Forest held 47% possession compared to Villa’s 53%, with shots at 3–2. The scoreline reflected a balanced and cautious first half.

Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Match Summary, Live Score, and Key Takeaways

The Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa remains level after a disciplined first half at the City Ground. The Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa match has been shaped by defensive organization, limited midfield space, and careful build-up play from both teams.

Nottingham Forest showed early intent but lacked a clear final pass in attacking areas. Aston Villa grew into the game and controlled spells of possession, with Youri Tielemans and John McGinn dictating play in midfield.

The Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa live score reflects a balanced contest, with both teams creating moments without converting. Defensive actions from players like Ezri Konsa and key saves from Stefan Ortega have kept the score unchanged.

The Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa highlights today underline a cautious first-leg approach. Both teams remain in position to push for control in the second half, with the result still open and every moment likely to influence the outcome of this semi-final tie.