Nottingham Forest could yet realise their Champions League dream as the 2024/25 season comes to a close.
In Sunday’s penultimate match of the campaign, the Reds secured a huge 2-1 win over West Ham United. It means they are firmly in the mix for a top-five finish ahead of the final round of fixtures.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side now have a crucial week ahead. Below, NottinghamshireLive takes a look at the latest goings-on at the City Ground ahead of the big finale.
Motivated Murillo
Stats experts Opta put Forest’s chances of securing their place among Europe’s elite at 27.55 percent with one game to go. After all, qualification is not entirely in the Reds’ own hands given they are one point adrift of the Champions League spots.
But there is no shortage of belief among the squad. Brazilian defender Murillo even took to answering a question in English to underline that particular point after triumphing over the Hammers.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said with a smile: "I will try to speak a little bit in English! The season for us is incredible because we can reach the top five. We believe this.
"Our team is incredible - all together. Finally, we are here, fighting for the big things.
"Now we have a chance against Chelsea, at home, in front of our fans. We believe it is possible. I am so happy and I thank you for the support, especially this season.”
The 22-year-old required a little help with some phrases but it was a heartwarming moment and showed how much progress he has made in learning the language. He also made clear the celebrations in the capital would not last for long.
Via a translator, he said: "It was one of the most important wins of the season because the team showed again that fighting spirit that has built throughout the season. We already talked in the dressing room that from now on you start talking about Chelsea and start focusing on Chelsea, which is another team fighting for a Champions League spot.”
International call-ups
Several of the Reds’ key players stepped up with excellent performances to help secure Sunday’s victory over West Ham. Midfielder Nicolas Dominguez was certainly among them.
The 26-year-old doesn’t necessarily attract the headlines but Nuno is in no doubt just how important he is to the team. Dominguez has been terrific for much of this season and his ability to operate in several positions has proved particularly useful.
His displays in the Garibaldi have clearly not gone unnoticed in his homeland. Manager Lionel Scaloni has called him up to the Argentina squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers. It could result in a first appearance for his country since November 2021 for Dominguez.
“I remember speaking with Nico a few months ago and he thought, ‘hmm’,” Nuno said as he relayed Dominguez’s scepticism about making the cut. “I said: ‘It’s possible, it’s possible, because of the way you are performing Scaloni will look at you, for sure.’
“It’s well deserved. He’s versatile and a hard worker. He is an important player for us. Not too many people speak about him but he’s very important for us.”
Meanwhile, a memorable few weeks continues for young defender Zach Abbott. Following his FA Cup semi-final appearance against Manchester City - only his second start for the club - he has now been named in the England Under-19 squad which will head to Romania in June for the UEFA Under-19 Euro finals.
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Chelsea’s dilemma
Sunday’s match at the City Ground is crucial for both teams in the race for the Champions League. Fourth-placed Chelsea are just one point ahead of Forest ahead of the game.
Given the Blues’ position in the table and their standing as one of the so-called “Big Six”, the pressure will arguably be on them, rather than the hosts, at the weekend. Boss Enzo Maresca also has something of a selection dilemma to contend with.
Amid a shortage of forward options, he handed 19-year-old Tyrique George his first Premier League start in last Friday’s 1-0 win over Manchester United. Maresca praised the teenager’s performance, and it might be that he needs to call upon him again on the banks of the Trent.
“He was very good,” Maresca said. “He was brave. He was a threat in behind and it was not easy for him because in Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw, he was fighting with important defenders. We tried to find a solution with a player from the Academy and overall, he had the penalty moment and was quite good.”
Pressed on whether George could be relied upon to lead the line against Forest if necessary, Maresca replied (via The Standard): “Absolutely, yes. 100 percent.”
Nicolas Jackson was suspended for the Blues against United and that will still be the case on Sunday. Marc Guiu was sidelined last week and has not played for almost four months. Jadon Sancho was ineligible to face his parent club but could provide an option for Maresca.
Get your special Nottingham Forest in Europe souvenir edition
We have produced a special 48-page edition of the Nottingham Post celebrating the club’s two European Cup wins.
Nottingham Forest are flying high in the Premier League and Reds fans are dreaming of a return to European competition. It has been an outstanding campaign for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men, who are on course for a place in the Champions League next season. And Forest supporters can whet their appetite for a possible return to football’s top tier on the continent with our 48-page special edition celebrating the club’s two European Cup wins.
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For online order postage and packaging applies, orders will be posted from April 2, 2025.
Sels’ battle
Not only did Jarrod Bowen’s late strike set up a nervy finish in the capital, it also robbed Reds Matz Sels of another clean-sheet. With Arsenal’s David Raya shutting out Newcastle United later in the day as his team claimed a 1-0 win, it means the two goalkeepers are currently tied in the race for the Golden Glove award.
Both Sels and Raya have notched 13 clean-sheets so far. Will there be a clear winner on the final day?
Sels will be out to keep Chelsea at bay as that would also boost Forest’s hopes of a top-five finish. The Gunners, who are already guaranteed Champions League football, are away to relegated Southampton.
The award is shared in the event of a tie over clean-sheets. Should he claim the individual honour, Sels would become the first Forest player to win any of the Premier League’s Golden awards - the Golden Boot (top scorer), Golden Glove, or the Playmaker award, for the most assists.
What has impressed me recently
The Reds’ spirit. It had been a tough week for the club in the build-up to their trip south.
Morgan Gibbs-White admitted the mood had been “lifeless” when Forest returned to training after the incident which left striker Taiwo Awoniyi recovering in hospital from a serious abdominal injury. Nuno had described the preparation as “difficult”.
Concern for Awoniyi was the overriding emotion, but the Reds were also having to deal with the frustration and disappointment of only drawing with Leicester City last weekend. To show such fight and determination against West Ham was testament to the character in the squad.
Moment missed from the weekend
Right in front of the away end, Ryan Yates turned to the travelling fans and gestured for them to raise the noise levels in the final minutes against the Hammers. Forest were out on their feet at that point, having given every last ounce of energy for the cause.
The players are clearly exhausted and mentally drained from this season, but the incredible level of support they receive gives them a little extra something. Yates knew that.
Watching on from the stands was promotion hero Joe Lolley. With the season in Australia over, the Sydney FC ace returned to the UK and took the opportunity to watch his former club in action.
Player with a point to prove
He doesn’t really have anything to prove, but if anybody is going to be particularly fired up against Chelsea it is Callum Hudson-Odoi. The winger made his return from a hamstring injury at the London Stadium when he came off the bench with less than 10 minutes to go. Against his former club, with a place in the top five on the line, you can bet he will be desperate to make the starting XI and show what he can do this weekend.
Next up
A blockbuster of a final-day showdown with the Blues at what is sure to be a raucous City Ground. It will be the hottest ticket in town on Sunday (4pm kick-off) as the Reds sign off an incredible season with a chance of making it to the Champions League.
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