Football Apr 20, 2026

Nottingham Forest 1-1 Aston Villa: Vitor Pereira's side boost survival hopes with hard-fought point

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By Admin
Sports Journalist
Nottingham Forest 1-1 Aston Villa: Vitor Pereira's side boost survival hopes with hard-fought point

Nottingham Forest inched away from the relegation zone after battling to secure a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at the City Ground.

Murillo could only turn Morgan Rogers' cross into his own net in the 23rd minute as Aston Villa, who were hit by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez pulling out of the match after the warm-up, took the lead.

But out of nothing, Neco Williams' strike from the edge of the box just before the break brought the hosts level.

Forest were the better of the sides in the second half but Villa, who strengthened their Champions League qualification hopes, will rue a string of missed chances with Rogers and Ollie Watkins both going close.

Rogers had the best chance to win the game as Ross Barkley's effort rebounded to Rogers, who scooped his shot over the crossbar as Forest made it four games unbeaten.

But both sides will respect the point after midweek away trips in the Europa League and this match could serve as a dress rehearsal for a two-legged semi-final in a few weeks.

It could prove to be a really crucial point for Forest, who move three points clear of the relegation places after Spurs were beaten 1-0 at Sunderland.

Villa stay fourth, three points ahead of Liverpool in the race to qualify for the Champions League.

Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira to Your Site:

"It was a good point in a difficult game against a very difficult opponent. Opportunities from one side, opportunities from the other. In the end one point I think is a good result.

"Villa is a team not easy to control. They create some problems, you try to face the problems and create our own chances. After the goal it's the character, confidence, spirit. We scored our goal and had chances to score more goals, and they did as well.

"When we decided to bring on another striker we wanted to win the game. Three points would be better than one. We try, but facing a strong team means in the end we need five games without losing. We are in the right way with the right spirit. It's important to get points every game until the end."

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery to Your Site:

"I am happy with how we played, how we competed and followed the game plan. The players feel confidence and comfortable. How we managed the match in 90 minutes like we planned.

"The first half was equal but we dominated and had good chances to score. I am so proud of how the players did. Of course we had three or four chances to score, and we conceded the momentum to them a few times. One point is not enough, but this is the way we want to play in the next weeks in the Premier League and Europa League.

"I like when we are creating chances and dominating and having good possession. Of course if we are scoring it is better. But we are getting better again, the last three or four matches. We must be so demanding and consistent to keep it for the next matches.

"Three months we were fantastic, then we struggled, now we are recovering. It's important for the players to have momentum. Today, how we kept the level of the last matches, is the most relevant for our confidence."

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