Wood converted from 12 yards in the 71st minute after a VAR-reviewed handball by Lucas Digne, firing emphatically past Emiliano Martinez to give Nottingham Forest a narrow advantage heading into the second leg at Villa Park next Thursday.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Wood was measured in his assessment of where the tie stands.
"It's one leg of the tie. It's nice to have the advantage but going to Villa Park will be a tough game. They're good at their place. But we've done the job here at home."
On the moment itself, he was equally grounded.
"It's cup competitions. They come down to small margins at times. Both teams played very well. But it's small moments that can potentially change games. Thankfully it went in our favour tonight."
On returning from injury to influence such a significant occasion, he added: "That's all I wanted to do. I wanted to get back fit and firing to help my team. I knew we had a lot to play for when I was fighting to get fit."
Gibbs-White was expansive in his praise for manager Vitor Pereira, who has guided Forest to a European semi-final as their fourth manager of the season.
"He's been a massive part of the success we've recently had — his ideas, his tactics. The way he believes football should be played with passion, aggression and fight. We've been showing that."
He highlighted what Wood's return has given the system tactically.
"Having the two strikers up there helps me and Omari out massively because it leaves their two centre-backs isolated and allows us to have the space to come inside and do what we need to do."
On Wood's composure from the spot against Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez, he was emphatic.
"Never in doubt. Full confidence in him. Ten years. That's why he's our penalty taker. Cool, calm, composed. We know as a team we can rely on him when we need him. And it showed."