Aston Villa edge Forest 2-1 in thriller to stay in champions league hunt

Aston Villa survived a spirited Nottingham Forest comeback to boost their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

Villa appeared in total control early on, with goals from Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen giving them a 2-0 lead within the first 15 minutes.

Rogers opened the scoring with a composed finish after breaking clear, and just two minutes later, Malen turned in Ian Maatsen’s inviting cross from close range.

Despite the shaky start, Forest—also chasing a top-four finish—settled into the game. Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi both came close to pulling one back before the break.

According to the BBC, Forest continued to grow into the match in the second half and were rewarded in the 57th minute when substitute Jota Silva scored with a clever turn and finish.

Elliot Anderson and Neco Williams both went close as Forest pushed for an equaliser.

Rogers nearly restored Villa’s two-goal cushion with a dazzling solo run that drew a fine save from Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels.

The drama continued into stoppage time, with Murillo crashing a long-range shot against the crossbar and Sels denying substitute Marcus Rashford when he was clean through on goal.

Villa’s win moves them to within a point of fourth-placed Chelsea, while Forest remain third despite the defeat.

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