Leeds United celebrated a second triumph at Nottingham Forest in just a three‑day span, confirming their place in the third round of the Carabaa Cup. Under the guidance of 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, courtesy of goals from Dan James and James Justin. This achievement is particularly noteworthy because Leeds had not won at the City Ground since 1972.
In a remarkable turnaround, they have now secured two victories there within 72 hours, giving the club a highly encouraging start to the new season. The result was far from the ideal opening that new Forest manager Oliver Glasner had hoped for.
His side is still searching for cohesion, although the club has already signalled that fresh reinforcements are on the way, with a £50 million agreement reached for Chelsea striker Liam Delap. Despite the disappointment, both teams will not be thrilled about the prospect of meeting again so soon after Saturday’s Premier League opener. Forest showed early promise when, in the 10th minute, goalkeeper James Trafford was forced into a spectacular save after Ola Aina’s cross‑shot nearly caught him off guard. Shortly after, James Justin was in the right place to block Igor Jesus’ header, keeping the score level.
Leeds had a chance to take the lead midway through the first half when Dan James drifted down the right wing and delivered a low pull‑back that fell just behind Sean Longstaff. Longstaff’s effort was straight‑on to Forest keeper Matz Sels, who made a routine save. Both sides pressed forward, and Leeds defender Joe Rodon produced a crucial last‑ditch tackle to deny Chris Wood, while Sels denied James a low effort on the opposite end. After the interval, the Wales international displayed composure.
Aina’s wayward header fell to Longstaff, who surged forward and supplied James, who calmly clipped the ball into the net to give Leeds a 1‑0 advantage. Forest responded quickly.
Arnaud Kalimuendo produced a perfect cut‑back for Wood, but Trafford once again shone, parrying the shot away from the bottom corner. Shortly after, Noah Okafor unleashed a drive that drifted just wide as Leeds launched a rapid counter‑attack. The decisive moment arrived with about 15 minutes left.
Lucas Nmecha attempted to head the ball, but his effort was blocked on the line by Forest defender Williams. James Justin then pounced, slotting the ball home 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 six‑week tenure. He warned against ignoring the harsh realities facing the club, noting that they are far from the standards they aspire to.
Glasner reminded listeners that Forest endured a nine‑month relegation battle last season, a turbulent period that ended with a heroic escape from the drop. He stressed that blaming anyone would be unproductive and that the club must focus on hard work rather than fantasy.
He admitted that expecting European qualification within such a short timeframe was unrealistic, emphasizing that the team must rebuild step by step. Leeds boss Daniel Farke also addressed Sky Sports, expressing satisfaction with his side’s performance. He highlighted that the primary objective was to progress in the cup competition, and the team’s display met that goal. Farke praised his players for delivering a remarkable performance at a venue where Leeds had not celebrated a win for more than five decades.
He described Saturday’s match as tight but maintained that today’s victory was unquestionably deserved. The win not only propels Leeds into the next round of the Carabao Cup but also sends a strong signal about the squad’s resilience and tactical discipline under Farke.
The combination of swift counter‑attacks, disciplined defending, and clinical finishing proved decisive. For Forest, the defeat underscores the challenges Glasner faces as he attempts to reshape a side that has just emerged from a relegation scare.
The upcoming weeks will be crucial as both clubs look to solidify their positions—Leeds aiming to build on early-season momentum, and Forest seeking to integrate new signings like Delap while stabilising under their new manager. In summary, Leeds United’s back‑to‑back victories at the City Ground mark a historic moment for the club, breaking a 52‑year winless streak and setting a positive tone for the campaign. Forest, meanwhile, must confront the reality of a rebuilding phase, focusing on realistic goals and incremental progress rather than lofty expectations. The Carabao Cup continues to provide a platform for both teams to test their strategies, develop squad depth, and chase further success as the season unfolds.