Leeds United celebrated a second triumph at Nottingham Forest in just a three‑day span, clinching their place in the third round of the Carabao Cup. Under the guidance of manager Daniel Farke, the Yorkshire side collected all three Premier League points on Saturday and followed that up with a 2‑0 win in the League Cup, thanks to goals from Dan James and James Justin. Historically, Leeds had not tasted victory at the City Ground since 1972. That long‑standing drought was broken over the weekend, and within 72 hours the club had recorded two wins on Forest’s turf, giving them a highly encouraging start to the new season.
For Forest, the result was far from the ideal debut that new boss Oliver Glasner hoped for. The team has yet to find its rhythm, although the manager hinted that reinforcement is on the way – a £50 million agreement for Chelsea striker Liam Delap has already been reached, suggesting fresh attacking options will soon arrive.
Both clubs were aware that a swift rematch in the Premier League was looming, so the intensity of the cup tie was tempered by the knowledge that they would meet again shortly. Nevertheless, Forest showed early promise when goalkeeper James Trafford was forced into a spectacular save in the 10th minute, parrying a cross‑shot from Ola Aina that threatened to catch him off‑balance. Shortly after, James Justin positioned himself perfectly to block a headed attempt from Igor Jesus, keeping the score level and preserving Leeds’ composure. Leeds could have taken the lead midway through the first half when Dan James surged down the right flank and delivered a pull‑back that fell just behind Sean Longstaff.
Longstaff’s effort, however, was straight‑on to Forest keeper Matz Sels, who smothered the shot. The match remained tightly contested, with both sides creating chances. Leeds defender Joe Rodon made a crucial last‑ditch tackle to deny Chris Wood, while Sels once again kept a low effort from James at the opposite end.
The deadlock was finally broken five minutes after the interval. A wayward header from Ola Aina fell to Sean Longstaff, who surged forward and laid the ball off to Dan James. The Welsh international showed calm under pressure, slotting the ball past the advancing goalkeeper to give Leeds a 1‑0 lead. Forest responded swiftly.
Arnaud Kalimuendo produced a precise cut‑back that found Wood in a promising position, but James Trafford produced another superb save, denying Wood a low‑driven effort that was heading for the bottom corner. Shortly after, Noah Okafor unleashed a shot that drifted just wide as Leeds launched a rapid counter‑attack. Leeds’ second goal arrived with roughly fifteen minutes remaining, though it was not a picture‑perfect finish.
Lucas Nmecha saw his effort bundled and blocked on the line by Forest defender Williams. James Justin then pounced, steering the ball into the net to seal a 2‑0 victory for Leeds. After the match, Forest manager Oliver Glasner spoke to Sky Sports, offering a candid assessment of his short tenure.
He acknowledged that both the club and the squad have been ignoring the harsh realities of their recent past. "We are far away from where we want to be," Glasner said, referencing the club’s nine‑month relegation battle last season and the turbulent nature of that campaign. He stressed that the focus should be on hard work rather than fantasy, noting that expectations of European competition are unrealistic at this stage. "I’m no magician, no messiah, just hard work.
That is what we have to do," he added. Leeds manager Daniel Farke also addressed the media, expressing satisfaction with his team’s performance.
"This is what we came for, and this was my main goal," he said. He praised his players for delivering a "remarkable level of performance" at a venue where Leeds had waited decades for a win. Farke highlighted the difficulty of the fixture, noting that the Saturday match had been tight, but the victory on Sunday was unequivocally deserved. The win not only advances Leeds in the Carabao Cup but also provides a morale boost ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixtures.
For Forest, the defeat underscores the challenges that lie ahead as they attempt to rebuild under Glasner’s leadership, integrate new signings like Delap, and restore confidence among a fanbase eager for a turnaround. As both clubs look forward, Leeds will aim to maintain their momentum in the cup while preparing for the rigors of league play.
Forest, on the other hand, will seek to learn from the setbacks, tighten defensive lapses, and capitalize on any new talent arriving in the transfer window. The early stages of the season promise further drama, and supporters of both sides will be watching closely to see how the narratives develop. In related news, fans can catch live Premier League action on the Sky Sports app, and free highlights are available online for those who missed the action. Additionally, a promotional Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £1 million, with free entry for participants.
Overall, Leeds United’s back‑to‑back successes at the City Ground mark a significant milestone, breaking a 52‑year winless streak and setting a positive tone for the campaign. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest must confront the reality of their current position and work diligently to close the gap between aspiration and achievement.