Latest Nottingham Forest verdict as Vitor Pereira’s Reds clinch Europa League semi-final place with win over Porto
21:59, 16 Apr 2026Updated 22:22, 16 Apr 2026
Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest celebrates scoring his team’s first goal by displaying a shirt in memory of teammate Elliot Anderson’s mother during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between Nottingham Forest FC and FC Porto at City Ground
Morgan Gibbs-White’s first-half goal sealed a Europa League semi-final place for Nottingham Forest as they beat Porto 1-0 in their quarter-final second leg, and 2-1 on aggregate.
It was all to play for at the City Ground after last week’s first leg in Portugal left the tie delicately poised at 1-1. But if they were to make their first European semi-final since 1984, the Reds would have to do so without Elliot Anderson as the midfielder was unavailable following the death of his mother.
Porto made a quick start and Stefan Ortega was called into action to deny Terem Moffi inside the first couple of minutes. But the visitors were reduced to 10 men just a few minutes later when Jan Bednarek was sent off for a horrible challenge on Chris Wood, with referee Danny Makkelie dishing out the red card after being sent to his screen following a VAR check.
Wood was eventually forced off as a result of that tackle, with the front man making way soon after Morgan Gibbs-White had opened the scoring in the 12th minute. The Forest No.10 showed support to Anderson after beating Diogo Costa with a deflected strike, holding up a shirt bearing his teammate’s name and the No.8, along with the message: “Family first, we are all with you.”
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Despite being a goal and a man up on the night, though, it wasn’t entirely comfortable for Vitor Pereira’s side. Both teams created chances, with William Gomes smashing an effort against the woodwork for Porto in the second half.
Injuries mounted for the Reds in the second half as Callum Hudson-Odoi and Murillo both had to make way. It certainly made for a few nerves on the banks of the Trent as the hosts continued to battle away.
Porto struck the woodwork again in the dying minutes, before Nicolas Dominguez blasted wide for the home side. It was a tense finale but Forest hung on to set up a last-four clash with Premier League rivals Aston Villa. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Stefan Ortega: Called into action shortly after kick-off and did well to deny Moffi. Needed to remain alert throughout as Porto continued to be a threat all evening, despite being down to 10 men. Rating: 7.5/10
Ola Aina: Had to get through a lot of work as the visitors pushed forward throughout. Tried to offer the Reds something going the other way when he had chance, but it wasn’t always easy. Rating: 7/10
Jair Cunha: Did OK as he played his first minutes since picking up an injury at home to Midtjylland in the previous round of the competition. Will give Pereira the option to utilise a back three again at some stage in the run-in. Rating: 7/10
Murillo: Required a bit of treatment in the second half and was little surprise to see the Brazilian substituted soon after. Forest will desperately hope it is nothing serious, and he did at least walk off unaided. Rating: 7/10
Neco Williams: Excellent once again. The Welshman continues to deliver in the Garibaldi. Kept going all evening, getting forward and standing firm defensively. Rating: 8.5/10
Ibrahim Sangare: Saw a fair bit of the ball as he tried to exert some control on proceedings. It was a tough job, though, and the Reds’ midfield certainly had a challenging night. Rating: 7.5/10
Nicolas Dominguez: No shortage of effort and endeavour from the Argentine. This wasn’t a comfortable watch, though, as Porto never gave up trying to apply pressure. Wasn’t too far away from getting on the scoresheet in the closing stages. Rating: 7/10
Omari Hutchinson: Pretty lively and offered a decent outlet, albeit not always with end product. Booking just before the interval perhaps played a part in the decision to bring him off at half-time. Rating: 6.5/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Where would the Reds be without their No.10? Has really stepped up in the second half of the season and did so again with his 12th goal of the campaign. Rating: 8/10
Dan Ndoye: Another opportunity not exactly grasped with both hands by the wide man. Does seem more comfortable when on the right but still really needs to offer more when given a chance to impress. Rating: 6/10
Chris Wood: Tried his best to carry on after the poor challenge by Bednarek. Forest will hope it is a positive sign the striker walked off when he was substituted, with the Porto man catching the opposite knee to the one Wood had surgery on. Rating: 6/10
Subs
Igor Jesus (for Wood, 16mins): Had opportunities to add to his Europa League tally. Didn’t really look like scoring on this occasion, however. Rating: 6.5/10
Callum Hudson-Odoi (for Hutchinson, 46mins): Looked absolutely devastated when he came off. Was clearly struggling with an injury and had been hobbling for some time before making way. Rating: 7/10
Nikola Milenkovic (for Ndoye, 65mins): Should have brought a calming presence to the back line. Porto made it a nervy finale, however, as they created a fair few chances. Rating: 7/10
Morato (for Murillo, 72mins): Drafted in when the Reds were forced into an injury change. Did enough to help them come through, but it wasn’t exactly pretty by the hosts. Rating: 7/10
Dilane Bakwa (for Hudson-Odoi, 72mins): Fresh legs brought a bit of energy. Wasn’t easy to get into the game, though, as it was a tense finish. Rating: 6/10
Subs not used: Sels, Willows, Lucca, Yates, McAtee, Abbott, Sinclair.
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