Nottingham Forest
FC Midtjylland
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.76
Expected Goals (xG)
0.69
Passing by
423 (83%)
Accurate passes
284 (75%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
26
G
Matz Sels
6.2
d
purple
33′ rough
5
d
Murillo
6.7
23
d
Jairus
6.7
7
M
Callum Hudson-Odoi
7.2
16
M
Nicolas DomÃnguez
7.0
8
M
Elliot Anderson
7.2
34
M
country life
6.3
10
F
Morgan Gibbs-White (C)
6.3
21
F
Omari Hutchinson
7.6
19
F
Igor Jesus
7.0
16
G
Elias Ólafsson
7.9
22
d
Mads Bech Sørensen (C)
7.3
6
d
Martin Erlić
7.2
d
Ousmane Diao
80′
55
M
Victor Buck Jensen
6.7
19
M
Pedro Bravo
6.7
8
M
Philip Billing
8.5
21
M
Daniel Castell
6.9
43
M
Kevin Mbabu
6.5
58
F
Boix d’Aral
6.3
74
F
Junior Brumado
6.3
UEFA Europa League Ranking – UEFA Europa League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Europa League (Play Off: Round of 16)
- Promotion – Europa League (Play Off: 1/16 final)
FC Midtjylland dealt a major blow to Nottingham Forest’s UEFA Europa League aspirations, securing a 1-0 win at the City Ground thanks to Cho Gue-Sung’s late 80th-minute goal.
Nottingham Forest were hoping for a vital home win to kick off their European campaign. They went into the game needing points, sitting on just one of their opening two group games. FC Midtjylland, however, arrived with a perfect record, aiming to consolidate their first place.
Forest suffered an early setback when Cunha made way for N. Milenkovic after just nine minutes, forcing an unscheduled change. Morato was then booked for a hard challenge in the 33rd minute, adding to Forest’s early frustrations.
Despite these early disruptions, Nottingham Forest controlled the ball with 57% possession in the first half. Omari Hutchinson and Elliot Anderson led numerous attacks, creating promising situations.
However, they struggled to convert their chances, registering six shots on goal without success. FC Midtjylland’s defence, led by goalkeeper ElÃas Ólafsson, held firm, weathering the initial storm well.
Ólafsson made several crucial saves to keep the scores level, ensuring the Danish visitors went into the break having absorbed significant pressure. With the scores locked at 0-0, Forest knew they had to be more clinical.
The second half brought changes from both benches, altering the rhythm of the game. Midtjylland introduced striker Cho Gue-Sung and M. Uhre in the 57th minute. Forest responded with Igor Jesús and I. Sangare in the 69th.
As the game neared its climax, Midtjylland’s tactical adjustments began to pay off. Their attacking intent grew and they took advantage of a moment of hesitation in the Forest’s defense. Finally the breakthrough came.
In the 80th minute, Ousmane Diao made a perfectly weighted pass in the area. Substitute Cho Gue-Sung showed his predatory instincts, guiding his shot beyond the reach of the Forest keeper. It was his only shot on goal.
Stung by the final goal, Forest launched a relentless assault in the final ten minutes. They pushed men forward, creating desperate chances. However, Midtjylland remained organized and compact, denying them any clear path to a tie.
Nottingham Forest recorded an xG of 1.76 from 22 total shots, highlighting their attrition. Midtjylland’s winning goal came from an xG of just 0.69, underscoring his efficiency. Goalkeeper Ólafsson was instrumental, making five crucial saves.
This vital away win lifts FC Midtjylland to nine points and a commanding position at the top of their Europa League group. For Nottingham Forest, who are languishing on just one point, their European hopes now hang by a thread, facing an uphill battle to progress.
