Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea Report

Scorers: Colwill 50’

Chelsea secured their long-awaited return to the UEFA Champions League with a narrow 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, ensuring a fourth-place Premier League finish in Enzo Maresca’s first domestic campaign at the helm. Levi Colwill’s second-half strike proved decisive, while Forest were left to settle for a UEFA Conference League berth after missing out on the top five.

First Half – Cagey Start in High-Stakes Clash

With both sides eyeing a place in Europe’s top competition next season, the match began in a cup final-like atmosphere. Forest, needing a win to leapfrog Chelsea in the table, came out with energy and urgency, but struggled to test Robert Sánchez despite forcing Chelsea into early defensive work.

The Blues took time to grow into the contest and began dominating possession toward the end of the half. Pedro Neto, operating in an unfamiliar centre-forward role, had the best chance of the opening period, stretching to meet a cross but firing over the bar. Despite Chelsea’s territorial control late in the half, neither side carved out a clear-cut opportunity, and the match remained goalless at the interval.

Second Half – Colwill Strikes After Forest Error

News of a red card for Aston Villa in their concurrent fixture may have eased nerves among Chelsea supporters, but the visitors knew only a win would guarantee Champions League football. They wasted little time taking advantage of the situation, capitalising on a defensive lapse shortly after the restart. A poorly judged header from Neco Williams fell kindly to Neto, who squared for Levi Colwill to tap in from close range and break the deadlock.

Needing two goals to reclaim a UCL spot, Forest found themselves facing a resolute Chelsea defence. The Blues maintained their shape and discipline, limiting the hosts to speculative efforts and half-chances. Even as Forest pushed in the dying minutes, including a hopeful long ball from Matz Sels that Chris Wood stretched to meet, they were unable to muster a response.

Conclusion – Chelsea Book Their UCL Return

The final whistle confirmed Chelsea’s return to Europe’s top table after a two-season absence, and their fifth win in six league games underlined a strong end to the campaign. They finish fourth in the Premier League and will now turn their attention to lifting silverware in Wednesday’s UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis Balompié.

For Forest, the defeat brings a bittersweet end to a largely positive campaign. While missing out on the UCL will sting, a sixth-place finish and Conference League qualification still represents notable progress for Nuno Espírito Santo’s men, who now look ahead to another European adventure next season.

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Nott’m Forest v Chelsea, 2024/25 | Premier League