Forest seize late winner in opposition to UCL rivals

Forest seize late winner in opposition to UCL rivals

Nottingham Forest secured a vital 1-0 victory over reigning champions Manchester Metropolis at The Metropolis Floor, due to a superb strike from Callum Hudson-Odoi.

The opening 45 minutes have been intently contested, with each groups struggling to create clear-cut alternatives.

Metropolis dominated possession, seeking to break down Forest’s well-organised line of defense, however their common fluidity in assault was missing.

Forest, then again, performed on the counter-attack, utilizing the tempo of Anthony Elanga and Hudson-Odoi to take advantage of house left by Metropolis’s excessive line of defense.

The hosts had their first actual alternative when Chris Wooden latched onto an extended ball excessive, however his try and lob Ederson lacked energy and was comfortably gathered by the Brazilian goalkeeper.

Metropolis’s finest probability of the half got here when Nico Gonzalez tried his luck from distance, his strike crashing off the skin of the publish. Phil Foden additionally had an opportunity to interrupt the impasse however noticed his close-range effort blocked by Nicolas Dominguez.

The second half began with extra attacking intent from Forest, who regarded more and more assured of their method.

GET IN!!! 😍 pic.twitter.com/DlpoCDq83z

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) March 8, 2025

They pressed larger up the pitch and troubled Metropolis’s backline, notably via Hudson-Odoi’s dribbling capacity.

Metropolis had a harmful free-kick simply outdoors the field, with Kevin De Bruyne stepping as much as take it. Nevertheless, Matz Sels was equal to the duty, making a snug save. Minutes later, a curling effort from De Bruyne sailed simply extensive of the publish.

The breakthrough got here within the 83rd minute. Morgan Gibbs-White picked up the ball in midfield and noticed Hudson-Odoi in house on the appropriate.

The winger lower inside, took on Josko Gvardiol, and unleashed a robust shot in the direction of the close to publish. The ball squeezed previous Ederson and into the web, sending the house crowd right into a frenzy.

Metropolis responded by throwing extra our bodies ahead looking for an equaliser. Pep Guardiola launched Omar Marmoush and De Bruyne in a bid so as to add extra attacking impetus.

Mateo Kovacic had a remaining alternative, placing a volley from the sting of the field, however his effort whistled simply extensive of the publish.

Forest held on for a well-known victory, a lot to the delight of their supporters. The Metropolis Floor was in full voice as the ultimate whistle confirmed a vital three factors for the house facet.

Nottingham Forest will look to construct on this momentum as they push for a top-four end. In the meantime, Metropolis might want to regroup shortly as they chase them down within the remaining 10 video games.