Nottingham Forest suffered a serious setback in their pursuit of a long-awaited return to the UEFA Champions League, falling 2-0 to Brentford at the City Ground on Thursday evening.
Goals from Kevin Schade and Yoane Wissa condemned Forest to their third defeat in four Premier League matches, dropping them further away from the coveted top five with just four games left to play.
Though Premier League clubs’ strong European showings this season have secured five Champions League berths, Forest’s 60-point tally leaves them just outside the qualifying spots, trailing Newcastle United by two points and competing with Manchester City, Chelsea, and Aston Villa for a European ticket.
Brentford Punish Sluggish Forest
Brentford, themselves fighting for a European spot, started brightly, dominating possession and probing early. Sepp van den Berg almost broke the deadlock in the 17th minute with a well-timed header, but Matz Sels was alert to deny the visitors.
Forest, known for their rapid counterattacks, gradually clawed their way into the game. Elliot Anderson produced their first shot on target late in the first half, though his effort lacked the venom to test Brentford keeper Mark Flekken.
Just before halftime, Forest’s concentration faltered. A long ball from Nathan Collins found Kevin Schade, who capitalized on a defensive slip by Ola Aina to finish easily and give Brentford a deserved lead.
Second-Half Pressure, But No End Product
Forest returned from the break with renewed intensity, driven by the urgency of their Champions League aspirations. Anthony Elanga looked threatening, forcing a save from Flekken with a sharp drive.
Chris Wood, Forest’s top scorer, had a golden opportunity in the 65th minute with a free header from an Aina cross, but it drifted wide, adding to the frustration of the home support.
Wissa Seals the Win for Brentford
Just as Forest seemed to be gaining momentum, Brentford struck again. A long goal-kick from Flekken bypassed the midfield entirely, and Wissa outpaced Nikola Milenkovic before coolly lifting the ball over Sels to double the visitors’ lead.
Despite a slew of late substitutions from Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest couldn’t break through Brentford’s organized defence. The defeat leaves Forest’s hopes of European football hanging by a thread.
Historic Return in Doubt
Forest last graced Europe’s elite competition in 1980, under the legendary Brian Clough, as back-to-back champions. After spending most of the current season in the top half of the table, the dream of a Champions League return seemed within reach. But this recent dip in form has put serious pressure on the squad as they enter the final stretch.
With four matches left, Forest must regroup quickly and hope for slip-ups from their top-five rivals. Their next fixture could prove decisive as they chase a spot among Europe’s elite for the first time in over four decades.
Defeat is a bitter disappointment for Forest but a major boost for Brentford in their own drive to qualify for European football next season.
The three points lift the Bees just one point behind 10th-placed Bournemouth and on course for their highest Premier League finish.
Thomas Frank’s team finished ninth in the 2022/23 campaign before slipping to a 16th-placed finish last season.
Forest’s remaining fixtures are against Crystal Palace, Leicester, West Ham and Chelsea.
Their season is threatening to end with a whimper after defeat in the FA Cup semi-final to City on Sunday.
