Aston Villa Take Narrow Lead Over Lille in Europa Conference League Clash
Watkins and McGinn Goals Secure 2-1 First-Leg Victory
McGinn's Second Yellow Card Raises Concerns
Aston Villa secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lille in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final tie on Thursday night. Ollie Watkins and John McGinn found the net for the visitors, while Lille managed to bag a goal of their own. However, the match was marred by McGinn's second yellow card for inciting the crowd, raising concerns about his availability for the second leg.
Villa started the game brightly and took the lead after just 20 minutes through Watkins. The English striker latched onto a cross from Jacob Ramsey and fired home from close range. Lille responded well to the setback and created several chances of their own, but they were unable to find an equalizer before the break.
The second half continued in a similar vein, with both teams going close to scoring. However, it was Villa who eventually doubled their lead in the 66th minute. McGinn was on hand to finish off a flowing move, sending the ball into the bottom corner. Lille pulled a goal back in the dying minutes through Mohamed Bayo, but it was too little, too late for the French side.
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