Historic Victory for Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest boosted their chances of securing a top-eight spot in the Europa League league phase with a 2-1 win away at Utrecht on Thursday, 11 December 2025. The victory marked their first European away win since October 1995, courtesy of goals from Arnaud Kalimuendo and Igor Jesus. The match, played at Stadion Galgenwaard, demonstrated Forest’s resilience and determination to progress in European competition after a three-decade wait.
Match Details and Key Moments
Nottingham Forest secured their win in Holland over FC Utrecht, with Arnaud Kalimuendo delivering the opener. The visitors dominated early proceedings and seemed poised to score multiple goals. However, Mike van der Hoorn levelled proceedings with a routine header just twenty minutes from time, threatening to spoil Forest’s chances of victory.
Igor Jesus struck two minutes from time to hand Forest victory. Manager Sean Dyche threw on Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus in an attempt to salvage the win. Gibbs-White found Hudson-Odoi, who picked out Dan Ndoye, and the ball sprung free for Jesus, who pounced to score the important winner for Forest.
Significance for Forest’s European Campaign
This victory is particularly significant for Nottingham Forest as it strengthens their position in the Europa League league phase. Sean Dyche’s side made hard work of it against a team who are yet to win in this season’s competition, but the three points prove crucial for their qualification hopes.
The win not only boosts Forest’s chances of securing automatic qualification to the last 16 but also represents a historic milestone for the club. Nottingham Forest finish their Europa League league phase campaign at the end of January, travelling to Portugal to take on Braga on January 22 and hosting Ferencvaros a week later on January 29. With momentum building, Forest supporters will be optimistic about their team’s prospects in European competition as they continue their impressive campaign both domestically and abroad.
