When Nottingham Forest faced FC Porto in the UEFA Europa League Group stage on , the Forest side eked out a 2‑0 win thanks to two penalty conversions. The victory marked the first triumph for new manager Sean Dyche since taking over in early September, and it snapped a four‑match losing streak that had left the club hovering near the bottom of their group.
Match Overview at the City Ground
The showdown unfolded at the City Ground in Nottingham, with Romanian referee Radu Marián Petrescu overseeing a tightly contested 90 minutes. Both sides entered the game with contrasting fortunes: Forest had not won since 17 August 2025, while Porto arrived on a 14‑match unbeaten run in all competitions.
From the kickoff, Forest displayed a disciplined shape, keeping possession at 51 % compared to Porto’s 49 %. The expected‑goals (xG) metric heavily favored Forest at 2.09 versus Porto’s 0.60, hinting that the English side were creating higher‑quality chances despite firing fewer total shots (8 to Porto’s 10).
Key Moments and Penalty Decisions
The first breakthrough came in the 19th minute when Morgan Gibbs‑White stepped up after a foul inside the box and calmly slotted the spot‑kick to give Forest a 1‑0 lead. The goal sparked a flurry of attempts, but both keepers stayed busy, and the first half ended with the same scoreline.
Porto’s frustration boiled over in stoppage time when their midfielder Nuno Savona (listed as N. Savona in match reports) earned a second‑yellow for a late challenge on Forest’s Olivier Zinchenko, prompting a free‑kick that led to the decisive penalty. A minute later, Isaac Jesus dispatched the spot‑kick, sealing the 2‑0 win.
Notably, a potential goal for Porto’s Jacek Bednarek in the 53rd minute was ruled out for off‑side, and a heated argument involving Porto’s Gonçalo Veiga erupted in the 89th minute, but no further cards were shown.
Statistical Breakdown
- Possession: Forest 51 % – Porto 49 %
- Expected Goals (xG): Forest 2.09 – Porto 0.60
- Total Shots: Forest 8 – Porto 10
- Big Chances: Forest 2 – Porto 0
- Penalty Conversions: 2 (both by Forest)
The numbers tell a clear story: Forest were clinical, turning every big chance into a goal, while Porto shuffled more shots but never threatened the net. According to Sofascore, the two Forest scorers were among the highest‑rated players on the pitch, with Gibbs‑White earning a 7.8/10 and Jesus a 7.5/10.
Reactions from Managers and Players
After the final whistle, an elated Dyche said, “We’ve been working on keeping composure under pressure. The penalties were a bit of luck, but the team showed it belongs in this competition.” His comments were echoed by Forest captain Jules Mora, who added, “The lads knew we had to finish our chances. Tonight proved the belief we’ve been building.”
Porto’s coach Sérgio Pereira was more restrained: “We dominated possession but lacked the sharpness in the box. The penalties are a reminder that football can be cruel.”
Implications for the Europa League Group
Forest’s three points lift them to 28th in the overall competition ranking, while Porto sit 11th. In practical terms, the win puts Forest level on points with fourth‑place side Marseille, giving them a fighting chance to qualify for the knockout round if they can pick up another win in the remaining fixtures.
Analysts at ESPN note that the psychological boost from breaking a losing streak could translate into better performances in the domestic league, where Forest have struggled to string together wins.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Forest’s last home victory in a European competition dated back to a 1‑0 win over Royal Antwerp in 2023. The City Ground, with a capacity of roughly 30,000, has traditionally been a fortress, but recent seasons have seen the venue host more draws than wins.
Looking ahead, Forest face a crucial away match against Bayer Leverkusen on November 5. A positive result could cement their position in the top two of the group. For Porto, the next encounter is a home clash with Eintracht Frankfurt, where they’ll aim to restore confidence and keep their unbeaten streak alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the win affect Nottingham Forest’s chances of advancing?
The three points move Forest level with the group’s fourth‑place team, keeping them within reach of a knockout‑round berth. A win in the next two matches would likely secure qualification, while a loss could see them slip back into a relegation‑type battle for the last spot.
What led to the two penalty decisions?
Both penalties resulted from fouls inside the box: the first after a reckless challenge on Gibbs‑White’s run, the second after Savona’s late tackle on Zinchenko. The referee, Radu Marián Petrescu, deemed each foul worthy of a spot‑kick, and both were converted without hesitation.
Did FC Porto’s unbeaten run end with this loss?
Porto’s 14‑match unbeaten streak in all competitions was halted in this Europa League fixture. The loss, however, does not affect their domestic form, where they remain unbeaten in the league.
Who were the standout players according to post‑match data?
Sofascore highlighted Morgan Gibbs‑White (7.8/10) and Isaac Jesus (7.5/10) as the highest‑rated Forest players. For Porto, goalkeeper Diogo Costa earned a respectable 6.9 despite the clean sheet.
What does Sean Dyche say about his team’s future outlook?
Dyche emphasized that the win is a turning point, stressing the need for consistency: "Tonight we showed we can finish chances. The real work is keeping that intensity week in, week out."
