- Chris Wood scored a crucial penalty to give Nottingham Forest a lead against Aston Villa.
- The striker returns from a six month injury to help his team chase a trophy.
- Forest aims for a Champions League spot after finishing seventh in the previous season.
Nottingham Forest currently holds a slight advantage over Aston Villa in the Europa League semi-finals. Chris Wood secured this lead with a penalty that marked his 200th career goal. Wood has now converted 28 consecutive penalties since his last miss in April 2016.
The 34 year old forward missed six months of action due to a knee injury. He underwent surgery in December and returned only this month. He describes his return as essential to help the team during this critical season phase.
Coach Vitor Pereira views the striker as the last piece of the puzzle. Wood provides leadership and balance that allows teammates like Igor Jesus and Morgan Gibbs-White to find space. His experience helps create scoring opportunities for other players.
Forest is currently 16th in the Premier League, staying five points above the relegation zone. They have scored nine goals in two matches. The team is now unbeaten in nine games as they fight to avoid the Championship.
The winner of the tie will face Braga or Freiburg in Istanbul on 20 May. This final offers a trophy and a place in the Champions League. Forest narrowly missed this competition last year by finishing in seventh place.
