Aston Villa Edge Lille in Europa Conference League First Leg
Watkins and McGinn Goals Give Villa Advantage
Emery Marks 1000th Game with Victory
Aston Villa claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lille in the first leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final on Thursday. Ollie Watkins and John McGinn scored the goals for the visitors, who will take a one-goal advantage into the second leg in France next week.
Unai Emery, who was appointed Villa manager in October, marked his 1000th game in management with a win. However, the Spaniard was sent off late in the game after receiving two yellow cards.
Villa took the lead after just nine minutes when Watkins fired home from close range. Lille drew level in the 33rd minute through Andre Gomes, but Villa restored their advantage just before half-time when McGinn curled a stunning shot into the top corner.
Lille pushed for an equaliser in the second half, but Villa held firm to secure a valuable victory. The second leg will be played at the Decathlon Arena - Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille on April 18.
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