AliousForest Falter in Top-Five Chase as Leicester’s Late Equaliser Spoils European Surge
Nottingham Forest’s hopes of returning to the top five and securing a Champions League berth took a major blow as they were held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by relegated Leicester City at the City Ground. Despite securing European football for next season, the missed opportunity to capitalise on Chelsea’s earlier defeat left fans and manager Nuno Espirito Santo with mixed emotions.
Former Wolves captain Conor Coady opened the scoring for the Foxes in the 16th minute after a defensive lapse from Forest. But the home side responded swiftly—Morgan Gibbs-White nodded in an Anthony Elanga free-kick before turning provider early in the second half, delivering a pinpoint cross that Chris Wood powered home with a header, registering his 20th goal of the campaign and his 100th Premier League goal involvement.
Just when Forest looked set to snatch a vital win, Leicester produced a moment of magic. Facundo Buonanotte’s dazzling footwork and cool finish in the 81st minute earned his side a share of the spoils. The drama continued into stoppage time as Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels had to make a crucial save to deny 15-year-old Jeremy Monga a sensational winner.
Forest, who have now failed to win in five of their last six league games, remain in seventh place—mathematically assured of European competition next season, but now in danger of missing out on the elite Champions League spots. Their next fixtures against West Ham and Chelsea will be pivotal in determining whether their European journey begins on Tuesdays or Thursdays next season.
Meanwhile, Leicester, already doomed to relegation, showed signs of grit under Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Foxes may not be staying in the Premier League, but their late-season resurgence has salvaged some pride, especially with Buonanotte’s goal serving as a rare bright spot in a dismal campaign.
Manager reactions highlighted Forest’s disappointment and Leicester’s defiance. Nuno lamented a missed opportunity and defensive lapse, while Van Nistelrooy praised his players for showing fight despite their confirmed drop. The Foxes now look to finish strong with clashes against Ipswich and Bournemouth, aiming to exit the Premier League with heads held high.
Key Stats Recap:
* Forest have just one win in their last six league outings.
* Leicester are unbeaten in two consecutive games for the first time since December.
* Gibbs-White scored and assisted in a match for the sixth time in his Forest tenure—a club record.
* Chris Wood became only the second Forest player to reach 20 Premier League goals in a single season.
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