Nottingham Forest have reached a European semi-final for the first time since 1984, edging past FC Porto with a narrow 1–0 victory on the night and a 2–1 aggregate triumph. The decisive moment came courtesy of Morgan Gibbs-White, whose composed finish proved enough to send the Reds into the last four of the UEFA Europa League.

It’s been anything but a smooth ride this season. Amid managerial instability Vítor Pereira has managed to steady the ship at a crucial time. Forest’s European dream remains alive, though it comes with significant challenges. Injuries to key players such as Chris Wood and Callum Hudson-Odoi have stretched the squad, while their ongoing battle for survival in the Premier League adds further pressure.

Next up, a blockbuster all-English clash awaits. Aston Villa stand between Forest and a place in the final, setting the stage for a compelling domestic duel on the continental stage. Under the guidance of Unai Emery, Villa are eyeing history of their own — the Spaniard is now just two steps away from securing his fifth UEFA Europa League title. But to get there, they must first overcome a fearless and resurgent Nottingham Forest side determined to extend their remarkable European journey.

2025-26, Europa League

Nottingham Forest - Porto 1:0 (1:0)
Goals: Gibbs-White, 12 (1:0)

Nottingham Forest: Ortega S.; Williams N.; Murillo (Morato F., 72); Jair Cunha; Aina; Sangaré I.; Gibbs-White; Dominguez N.; Ndoye D. (Milenković, 65); Hutchinson (Hudson-Odoi, 46; Bakwa, 72); Wood C. (Igor Jesus, 16)
Substitution: Igor Jesus (from 16); Hudson-Odoi (from 46 till 72); Milenković (from 65); Morato F. (from 72); Bakwa (from 72)
Bench: Sels; Abbott; Yates; Sinclair J.; Mcatee; Lucca L.
Yellow Cards: Hutchinson 40

Porto: Costa D.; Thiago Silva; Bednarek (till 8); Sanusi (Moura, 46); Alberto Costa (Froholdt, 46); Veiga G. (Kiwior, 46); Rosario; Sainz B. (Varela A., 46); Fofana S.; William Gomes; Moffi (Gül D., 66)
Substitution: Kiwior (from 46); Moura (from 46); Varela A. (from 46); Froholdt (from 46); Gül D. (from 66)
Bench: Ramos; João Costa; Prpic; Bras; Pepê E.; Mora
Yellow Cards: Moffi 32; Alberto Costa 36; William Gomes 90
Red cards: Bednarek 8'