UEFA Europa League Round of 16: LOSC Lille 0-1 Aston Villa. In a cagey affair at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, a solitary goal from Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins proved the difference, handing the English Premier League side a significant advantage heading into the return leg at Villa Park. The match, played on March 13, 2026, was a tactical battle with few clear openings, decided by a moment of individual brilliance just after the half-hour mark. Watkins latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball, held off his marker, and slotted coolly past the Lille goalkeeper. Lille dominated possession for long stretches but found Villa's defensive organization, led by the commanding Pau Torres, impenetrable. The home side's best chance came in the 75th minute when a curling effort from distance struck the crossbar, summing up their frustrating evening. The result is a solid away win for Villa, who executed their game plan perfectly, while Lille will be disappointed they could not make their territorial dominance count. The Lille manager praised Villa's defensive solidity but felt his team "lacked the final precision," whereas Villa's Unai Emery was delighted with a "very professional European performance." Lille started with Chevalier; Tiago Santos, Diakité, Alexsandro, Ismaily; André, Bentaleb; Zhegrova, Gomes, Cabella; and David. Aston Villa's lineup featured Martínez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Bailey, Luiz, McGinn, Ramsey; Watkins, and Diaby.