Overview
- Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa drew 1-1 on Sunday at the City Ground after a 23rd‑minute Murillo own goal and a 38th‑minute equalizer from Neco Williams.
- Villa failed to finish several clear openings in the second half, with Morgan Rogers skying from close range and Ollie Watkins firing over as Forest keeper Matz Sels produced key saves.
- Emiliano Martínez left the warm-up with an issue and Marco Bizot started at short notice for Villa, making early stops from Williams before conceding the leveller.
- The draw, coupled with Tottenham’s defeat at Sunderland, puts Forest three points clear of the relegation zone and keeps Villa fourth in the chase for Champions League qualification.
- Both clubs now turn to Europa League quarter-final second legs on Thursday, with Forest hosting Porto and Villa hosting Bologna after a quick turnaround that influenced selection and energy levels.