Nottingham Forest secured a narrow victory over Aston Villa in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final, gaining a crucial advantage ahead of the return fixture.
The decisive moment came from the penalty spot, where Wood confidently struck into the top corner after a handball by Digne handed Forest the opportunity.
Earlier in the contest, Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez produced a remarkable one-handed save to keep the match level, denying Forest what looked like a certain opener.
His intervention ensured the sides remained deadlocked for much of the encounter before the late breakthrough.
The result leaves the tie finely balanced, with the second leg set to determine who progresses to the final scheduled for 20 May, where either Braga or Freiburg will await.
Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira speaking to TNT Sports: “The problem in the game last time we played them, a lot of times it was two against two, and it’s not easy to control them. I asked my players to play four against four with just one midfielder jumping.
“I am proud we played in our way, pressing high but if they attack then reorganise team in a block. Tactically, we did what we should.
“The transition of Villa is very dangerous, when they drive with the ball at our defensive line, it’s a big problem.
“When we go to win the ball we cannot lose, because they [Villa] are very aggressive in that moment.”
