UEFA Europa League
7:00 p.mApril 9, 2026
Quarter finals
FC Porto1 – 1
VAT:(1-1)
Added:(1-3)
Nottingham Forest*Dragon Stadium
Referee: Marco Guida, Italy
FC Porto
Nottingham Forest
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
2.16
Expected Goals (xG)
0.45
Passing by
444 (88%)
Accurate passes
413 (87%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
99
G
Diogo Costa (C)
7.3
12
d
Zaidu Sanusi
6.9
5
d
Jan Bednarek
7.5
3
d
Thiago Silva
7.2
d
Martim Fernandes
13′
m
Gabriel Vega
15′ Stumbled
11′
13
m
Pablo Rosario
7.2
42
m
Fofana School
7.3
17
F
Borja Sainz
6.7
29
F
Moffi room
6.3
F
William Gomes
11′
27
G
Stefan Ortega
8.3
4
d
purple
6.9
5
d
Murillo
6.2
44
d
Zach Abbott
6.9
14
m
Dan Ndoye
7.2
16
m
Nicolas DomÃnguez
6.3
22
m
Ryan Yates (C)
6.2
29
m
Dylan Bakwa
6.6
24
F
James McAtee
6.9
10
F
Morgan Gibbs-White
6.2
11
F
Chris Wood
6.5
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 Porto and Nottingham Forest played out a 1-1 draw in the UEFA Europa League. Forest goalkeeper Stefan Ortega was the best player, with seven crucial saves.
The much-anticipated group stage clash took place at the Estádio do Dragão on 9 April 2026. FC Porto came into the match in good form, having won their previous two European matches. Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, looked to improve their group position after a draw and a loss.
The match burst into life early on, providing immediate drama for the home crowd. FC Porto quickly asserted their dominance in attack. William Gomes broke the deadlock for the Dragons in the 11th minute. He guided the ball expertly after a precise assist from Gabri Veiga.
However, Forest responded almost instantly, leveling the scores just two minutes later. A moment of misfortune saw M. Fernandes concede an own goal in the 13th minute. This unexpected turn brought the score to 1-1 and stunned the home fans.
The frantic opening continued with more action. Porto’s Gabri Veiga, involved in the first goal, received a yellow card in the 15th minute. The first exchanges showed the offensive intent of both teams and the defensive frailties.
Porto pressed hard to regain the lead before the break. They created several clear chances. However, Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Stefan Ortega proved to be an impenetrable wall. He made multiple impressive saves to keep the score tied.
When the teams went into the break, the score remained 1-1. Porto had dominated possession and chances, but had no clinical advantage. Forest needed to find a way to create more attacking threats in the second half.
In the second half, FC Porto continued their relentless attack on Forest’s goal. They kept possession high and launched numerous attacks. Forest’s defensive unit, however, held firm under pressure.
Stefan Ortega continued to be the busiest player on the pitch. He continued his heroics, making critical saves throughout the half. His agility and positioning denied Porto a well-deserved second goal.
Forest focused on containing Porto and thwarting their attacks. They defended deep and limited space in their own half. The tactical substitutions of both coaches could not alter the score.
The final whistle confirmed the deadlock at 1-1. The statistics highlighted Porto’s offensive superiority. They recorded an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.16 compared to Forest’s 0.45. Porto also managed 16 shots in total, with 8 on target, while Forest only had 6 shots, 2 on target.
This tie gives both teams a point in the group stage of the Europa League. FC Porto will feel they should have secured a win given their dominance and the chances created. Nottingham Forest will be satisfied with a valuable away point, largely thanks to Ortega’s excellent display.
