The Champions League aspiration of Nothingham Forest suffered a significant setback as Brentford secured a 2-0 victory at the City Ground. Kevin Schade and Yoane Wissa scored remarkably similar goals in either half, capitalizing on long balls from their teammates. Forest’s defense struggled to cope with Brentford’s strategy, ultimately conceding two goals that proved to be the difference.
“It was a bad night, a bad game,” Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo said. “I’m not worried about the table, I’m more concerned with the mistakes we are making and how to correct them.” Forest’s defeat leaves them sixth in the table, four points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, with four games remaining.
Brentford’s win boosts their own European hopes, moving them to within two points of eighth spot, which could secure a Europa Conference League spot. “I think it’s very good to come here and win against a very good team in the position they are in,” Brentford coach Thomas Frank said. “I only think it was a seven out of 10 performance. Defensively we were very strong, gave little away and were very robust in many phases of the game.”
Frank acknowledged that his team’s European aspirations depend on various factors, including results from other teams. “There are a few things that need to happen. Three teams ahead of us need to get less than us… We need a perfect run-in. We can win all of them, but lose all of them.” Forest, meanwhile, face a tough challenge to secure a Champions League spot, with a crucial match against Chelsea on the final day.
Nuno Espirito Santo emphasized the need for his team to improve their performance. “We have to compete much better to achieve what we want. The way we are competing, especially in this game, is not how we are. This is the main issue to resolve for Monday.” Both teams have favorable fixtures in the coming weeks, but the outcome of their European aspirations remains uncertain.