Ollie Watkins' second-half header ensured Aston Villa eked out a narrow victory at Lille in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie. The England forward raced on to Emiliano Buendia's flick-on and improvised superbly to loop a header over home goalkeeper Berke Ozer. While neither side was able to impose themselves in an uninspiring opening 45 minutes, Watkins' header just after the hour mark did at least spark the contest into life. Amadou Onana curled a shot against the woodwork, Watkins failed to convert when one-on-one against Ozer and Buendia volleyed wide from 12 yards. Lille's best opportunity arrived before the break when veteran striker Olivier Giroud glanced a header across the face of goal.

Source: BBC March 12, 2026 20:19 UTC