Alious
Once hailed as a pivotal figure in Nottingham Forest’s long-awaited return to the Premier League, **Scott McKenna** has made headlines again—this time in **La Liga**, where he played a starring role in **Las Palmas’ stunning 1-0 triumph over Atletico Madrid**. The former Forest defender delivered a towering performance, registering **nine clearances** and proving yet again that he thrives under pressure.
Since Forest’s promotion, the club has seen a whirlwind of squad turnover. The euphoria of Wembley in 2022 was quickly followed by a mass exodus—**loan players returned to parent clubs**, key figures like **Brice Samba** and **Lewis Grabban** moved on, and manager **Steve Cooper** had to rebuild from scratch. With **30 new arrivals** over two transfer windows, critics were quick to mock the chaotic recruitment strategy.
But amid that upheaval, the players who won promotion remain revered, with many still proving their worth at other clubs. **McKenna, a cornerstone of Forest’s backline**, was one such hero—**Player of the Year** during that promotion run and **Man of the Match** in the playoff final against Huddersfield. After a contract impasse with Forest ownership, he departed as a free agent, eventually landing at Las Palmas in a move that flew under the radar.
That move is now paying off in spades. Against **Diego Simeone’s Atletico**, McKenna was a rock at the back, marshaling a disciplined defense for the full 90 minutes. With **Javier Muñoz’s late stoppage-time goal** sparking wild celebrations, it was McKenna’s relentless efforts in defense that kept Las Palmas afloat. The victory dealt a significant blow to Atletico’s title hopes—and gave Las Palmas a vital lifeline in their own survival battle.
Currently sitting **17th in La Liga**, just **two points clear of the drop**, the Canary Islanders needed a hero—and McKenna answered the call. His performance wasn’t just a reminder of what Forest had, but also a testament to his enduring quality at the highest level of European football.
For Forest fans, it’s bittersweet. They remember McKenna not just for his on-pitch performances but for his leadership and reliability. Seeing him succeed abroad serves as both a proud moment and a painful reminder of what could’ve been if his contract situation had played out differently.
One thing is clear: **Scott McKenna isn’t done making headlines**. Whether in England or Spain, big matches still bring out the best in him—and on nights like this, he looks every bit the top-tier defender he always was.
Alious
