Ollie Watkins' stunning header gave Aston Villa a 1-0 first-leg victory over Lille in their Europa League last-16 tie. The England striker connected brilliantly with Emi Buendia's flick-on, looping the ball over Lille's goalkeeper in a moment of quality that separated the sides at the raucous Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Villa's lead should have been more comfortable given their dominance throughout the match.

Unai Emery's side created multiple chances to extend their advantage, with Amadou Onana hitting the crossbar and Watkins missing a one-on-one opportunity. Late in the game, Buendia also went close with an acrobatic effort that flashed just wide of the target. Despite Villa's recent poor form - just one win in seven outings - Emery's tactical nous and experience in this competition shone through.

The four-time Europa League champion will take a slender but valuable lead back to Villa Park for the second leg on March 19. While Lille showed flashes of threat, particularly through Olivier Giroud's near miss and Emi Martinez's crucial save from Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Villa's defensive organization frustrated the French side throughout.