Chelsea are now out of the race for a top-five finish in the Premier League, but a narrow and unlikely route to the Champions League still exists. The Blues must climb to sixth in the Premier League - and hope Aston Villa deliver a crucial favour in Europe.
Morgan Gibbs-White admitted he was stunned by an incredible save from Emi Martinez during Nottingham Forest’s Europa League semi-final win over Aston Villa. The Forest playmaker could only watch in disbelief as the Villa goalkeeper produced a remarkable stop at the City Ground.
Former Nottingham Forest captain Henri Lansbury has explained to GOAL why the Reds boast a home game atmosphere that Premier League rivals such as West Ham could never match. The City Ground has been rocking since promotion back into the big time was secured - across domestic and European competition - with a key factor in the creation of a hostile environment being explained.
Morgan Gibbs-White has led an emotional tribute to Nottingham Forest team-mate Elliot Anderson during an historic Europa League victory over Porto. The midfielder celebrated his decisive goal by displaying a heartfelt message for the England international, who withdrew from the squad following the tragic passing of his mother, Helen.
Ryan Yates is often Nottingham Forest’s tormentor in chief, while donning the captain’s armband, and former Reds skipper Henri Lansbury has told GOAL why dark arts in football are to be saluted. Every club boasts a player that divides opinion among fan bases, with characters that are loved by home supporters positively revelling in their ability to rile opponents.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery produced a classic deadpan moment during his pre-match duties that left midfielder Youri Tielemans struggling to keep a straight face. As the Spaniard shut down questions regarding potential suspensions, his blunt delivery sparked a wave of laughter in the media room ahead of their Europa League quarter-final second leg clash against Italian side Bologna.
Nottingham Forest legend Stan Collymore has told GOAL how Callum Hudson-Odoi can go about rediscovering his lost spark. The former Chelsea winger has earned trust from four different managers at the City Ground this season, but goals and assists have been in short supply. A “mental” block is considered to be impacting efforts to find top form, with the talented 25-year-old being urged to go back to “basics”.
Nottingham Forest were gifted a way back into their Europa League quarter-final first leg clash against Porto as Martim Fernandes scored an astonishing own goal from 40 yards out. In one of the most inexplicable moments in the competition's history, the Premier League side benefitted from a catastrophic defensive mix-up at the Estadio do Dragao.
Nottingham Forest secured a hard-fought Europa League draw at the Estadio do Dragao thanks to a resilient defensive display and a stroke of luck via a Martim Fernandes own goal. Despite sustained pressure from the hosts, Forest's structure held firm to keep their semi-final ambitions on track.
Nottingham Forest secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw at the Estadio do Dragao despite being significantly out-shot by their hosts. A bizarre own goal from Martim Fernandes cancelled out an early strike from Porto's Wendel Gomes in a statistically lopsided encounter.
Aston Villa continued their remarkable European form with a clinical 3-1 victory over Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dell'Ara. Unai Emery's side displayed tactical maturity and ruthless finishing to secure a vital win on the road.
Aston Villa seized a commanding first-leg advantage in their Europa League quarter-final with a clinical 3-1 victory over Bologna. Unai Emery's tactical masterclass silenced the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara and established the Villans as the undisputed favourites to reach the final four.
Aston Villa have been hit with a significant injury setback as Jadon Sancho is set for a spell on the sidelines during a pivotal period of the season. The Manchester United loanee is now facing a race against time to return to full fitness for the club's European and domestic run-in.
Aston Villa are being backed to complete a memorable double in 2026, with Champions League qualification being secured through their Premier League standing and a first trophy win in 30 years. Former Villans defender Richard Dunne has told GOAL how landing major silverware and finishing strongly in top-flight competition can help to keep Unai Emery on board.
Vitor Pereira has hailed his side's character and squad depth after Nottingham Forest secured a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Midtjylland to reach the Europa League quarter-finals. The Portuguese tactician expressed his delight at the performance of his fringe players as the club now prepares for a pivotal Premier League showdown against Tottenham.
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