An Ollie Watkins header ensured Aston Villa will take a lead back to Villa Park following the first leg of the club\u2019s UEFA Europa League Round of 16 tie against LOSC Lille.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The striker looped a header into the back of the net in the 61st minute to decide a cagey encounter at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Emi Mart\u00ednez made a number of sharp saves at the other end as a clean sheet helped secure Villa\u2019s first-ever victory in France at the seventh attempt.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Triumph in Lille also marked Unai Emery\u2019s 100th win as the club\u2019s manager - becoming the fastest man to do so in the process - and will see his side begin the second leg with a lead in seven days\u2019 time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, two-time winners Porto claimed a narrow advantage over Stuttgart courtesy of a pair of goals in the space of seven first-half minutes. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Dragoes' William Gomes curled against the woodwork midway through the opening period before Terem Moffi's powerful effort and Rodrigo Mora's improvised finish threatened to put the tie beyond the hosts. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, two-time winners Porto claimed a narrow advantage over Stuttgart courtesy of a pair of goals in the space of seven first-half minutes. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Elsewhere, having won 3-2 at the City Ground in the league phase, Midtjylland stunned Nottingham Forest for a second time, substitute Guesung Cho's looping header in the 80th minute securing a first-leg lead. <\/p>\r\n\r\n