Friday’s briefing: Villa and Forest book Europa League quarter-final spots

Aston Villa booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League with a 2-0 win over Lille.

They were joined by Nottingham Forest, who overcame a first-leg deficit to beat Midtjylland on penalties in Denmark.

Crystal Palace made it through to the last eight of the Conference League with a 2-1 extra-time win at nine-man AEK Larnaca.

Villa sweep into last eight

A moment of brilliance from Emiliano Martinez helped Aston Villa reach a third successive European quarter-final as they saw off Lille in the Europa League.

The goalkeeper, whose long-term future at Villa remains in doubt, played a big part in John McGinn’s second-half opener, which came 15 seconds after he had made an important save, by sending Jadon Sancho clear with a pinpoint kick.

Martinez was the centre of attention after the goal and he provocatively gestured to the Lille fans, who were not shy in showing their dislike for the Argentinian.

Leon Bailey’s late second goal completed a 2-0 win on the night, 3-0 on aggregate, setting up a quarter-final meeting with Bologna.

McGinn hailed his colourful goalkeeper, saying on TNT Sports: “He’s a mad man. I know he’s a family man, but he is a big kid inside, a lively character and a top goalkeeper.”

Forest spot on in Denmark

Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira hailed the spirit and character of his side in their penalty shootout victory over Midtjylland.

Forest came into the return leg of the last-16 tie trailing 1-0 after defeat at the City Ground but had their rewards for a completely dominant first half when Nicolas Dominguez headed them in front.

Captain Ryan Yates then produced a stunning strike to put Forest 2-1 up on aggregate before Martin Erlic pulled the Danish side level to send the game to extra-time and penalties.

Midtjylland hit a post twice in the shootout through Cho Gue-sung and Aral Simsir before Edward Chilufya slipped and skied his effort.

Morgan Gibbs-White, Ibrahim Sangare and Neco Williams all hit the target to make it 3-0 on penalties to Forest, who go on to play Porto.

“I am very happy because we did everything, tried everything and I have a chance to balance the energy of the players to prepare the next game,” Pereira, who made nine changes ahead of a crunch Premier League relegation clash with Tottenham on Sunday, said on TNT Sports.

Ismaila Sarr at the double for Palace

Ismaila Sarr scored twice as Crystal Palace made it through to the last eight of the Conference League with a 2-1 extra-time win at nine-man AEK Larnaca.

Senegal international Sarr opened the scoring in the 13th minute as the visitors emerged with more attacking intent than last week’s lacklustre goalless draw at Selhurst Park.

Enric Saborit powered home a header to draw the sides level in the 63rd minute, then was sent off for tugging Sarr down 10 minutes later.

Sarr scored the winner from a Palace corner in the ninth minute of extra time.

Larnaca played out the closing minutes with nine men after Petros Ioannou was dismissed for a dangerous challenge on second-half substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta, who appeared alongside January club record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen for the first time.

“It’s a huge achievement,” Eagles boss Oliver Glasner, whose side face Fiorentina in the last eight, said on TNT Sports.

What’s on today?

Friday night’s Premier League action sees Manchester United looking to strengthen their place in the top three when they travel to Bournemouth, while in the Sky Bet Championship Preston host Stoke.

Earlier in the day, England boss Thomas Tuchel names his squad for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.