Nottingham Forest secured a dramatic progression in the UEFA Europa League, defeating FC Midtjylland 2-1 after extra time before triumphing 3-0 in a tense penalty shootout at MCH Arena.
The high-stakes knockout match saw the English visitors face a formidable Danish side known for their strong home form. FC Midtjylland entered the tie with a strong European record this season, while Forest sought to improve their inconsistent continental run.
The first half saw both teams battle for control, with few clear-cut chances early on. However, Nottingham Forest broke the deadlock in the 40th minute. Nicolás Domínguez expertly guided the ball into the net following a precise assist from Nikola Milenković. This crucial goal gave Forest a vital lead.
Forest carried their narrow one-goal advantage into the half-time interval. FC Midtjylland needed to find a quick response in the second half. The home crowd at MCH Arena urged their team forward, anticipating a comeback.
The visitors extended their lead early in the second period. Ryan Yates scored for Forest in the 52nd minute, just moments after Junior Brumado received 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 igniting the hopes of the home supporters. Tensions escalated as the match entered its final stages, with D. Osorio picking up a yellow card for Midtjylland shortly after the goal.
With the aggregate score tied after 90 minutes, the match moved into extra time. The extra period brought more drama. A VAR review disallowed a potential winning goal from Ryan Yates in the 119th minute for offside. Yellow cards were also shown to Murillo (94'), Erlić (102'), and Elliot Anderson (114') as players tired.
As neither side could find a decisive goal, the tie proceeded to a penalty shootout. Nottingham Forest demonstrated remarkable composure from the spot. Morgan Gibbs-White confidently converted Forest's first penalty, setting the tone for their success.
Ibrahim Sangare then calmly slotted home Forest's second penalty. FC Midtjylland, however, struggled under the immense pressure. Cho Gue-Sung missed their opening attempt, followed by misses from Aral Şimşir and Edward Chilufya.
Neco Williams stepped up to dispatch Forest's third and final penalty, sealing a dominant 3-0 shootout victory. This triumph sent the English club into the next round of the competition, much to the delight of their traveling fans.
Overall, Nottingham Forest displayed a clear attacking edge, registering an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.03 from 20 total shots, with 8 on target. FC Midtjylland managed an xG of 0.67 from 12 shots, 3 of which tested the goalkeeper. Home stopper Elías Ólafsson was a standout performer, making 7 crucial saves.
This hard-fought win sees Nottingham Forest advance to the next stage of the UEFA Europa League, keeping their European dream alive. For FC Midtjylland, their valiant European campaign sadly comes to an end.
