
UEFA Europa League
5:45 p.mMarch 19, 2026
Round of 16

FC Midtjylland1 – 2
VAT:(0-1)
Added:(2-2)
Pen:0 – 3

Nottingham Forest*MCH Arena
Referee: Felix Zwayer, Germany


FC Midtjylland


Nottingham Forest
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.67
Expected Goals (xG)
2.03
Passing by
370 (74%)
Accurate passes
354 (76%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
27
G
Stefan Ortega
6.0
4
d
purple
6.9
d
Nikola Milenkovic
44
d
Zach Abbott
6.9
29
m
Dylan Bakwa
7.0
m
Nicolas DomÃnguez
40′
m
Ryan Yates (C)
52′
14
m
Dan Ndoye
6.6
F
James McAtee
21
F
Omari Hutchinson
7.0
20
F
Lorenzo Lucca
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)
Nottingham Forest achieved dramatic progression into the UEFA Europa League, defeating FC Midtjylland 2-1 after extra time before winning 3-0 in a tense penalty shoot-out at the MCH Arena.
The high-stakes tie saw the English visitors take on a formidable Danish side known for their strong home form. FC Midtjylland entered the tie with a strong European record this season, while Forest looked to improve their inconsistent continental run.
The first half saw both teams struggle for control, with few clear-cut chances early on. However, Nottingham Forest broke the deadlock in the 40th minute. Nicolás DomÃnguez guided the ball into the net after a precise assist from Nikola Milenković. This crucial goal gave Forest a vital lead.
Forest took their narrow one-goal lead into the break. FC Midtjylland had to find a quick response in the second half. The home crowd at the MCH Arena urged their team on, anticipating a comeback.
The visitors extended their lead early in the second period. Ryan Yates scored for Forest in the 52nd minute, moments after Junior Brumado was shown a yellow card for Midtjylland. James McAtee provided the assist, doubling Forest’s lead and putting them in a strong position.
FC Midtjylland refused to give up, finding a lifeline in the 69th minute. Martin Erlić fired home for the Danish side, pulling a goal back and raising the hopes of the home fans. Tensions rose as the game entered its final stages, with D. Osorio picking up a yellow card for Midtjylland shortly after the goal.
With the overall score tied in the 90th minute, the game went into overtime. The extra period brought more drama. A possible game-winning goal by Ryan Yates in the 119th minute was ruled out for offside by a VAR review. Yellow cards have also been shown to Murillo (94′), Erlić (102′) and Elliot Anderson (114′) as tired players.
As neither team found a decisive goal, the tie proceeded to a penalty shootout. Nottingham Forest showed remarkable composure from the off. Morgan Gibbs-White confidently converted Forest’s first penalty, setting the tone for their success.
Ibrahim Sangare calmly scored Forest’s second penalty. FC Midtjylland, however, struggled under the immense pressure. Cho Gue-Sung failed the first attempt, followed by the failures of Aral ÅžimÅŸir and Edward Chilufya.
Neco Williams stepped up to dispatch Forest’s third and final penalty, sealing a dominant 3-0 win on penalties. This triumph sent the English club through to the next round of the competition, much to the delight of their traveling fans.
Overall, Nottingham Forest showed a clear attacking advantage, recording an Expected Goals (xG) figure of 2.03 from 20 total shots, with 8 on target. FC Midtjylland had an xG of 0.67 on 12 shots, 3 of which tested the goalkeeper. Local stopper ElÃas Ólafsson was a standout player, making 7 crucial saves.
This hard-fought victory sees Nottingham Forest progress to the next stage of the UEFA Europa League, keeping their European dream alive. For FC Midtjylland, their valiant European campaign is sadly coming to an end.

