Leeds United celebrated a second triumph at Nottingham Forest in just a three‑day span, sealing their place in the third round of the Carabao Cup. Manager Daniel Farke’s side collected all three Premier League points on Saturday and then added a 2‑0 win in the League Cup, thanks to goals from Dan James and James Justin. The win was historic for the Yorkshire club. Before this weekend, Leeds had not tasted victory at the City Ground since 1972.
In a remarkable turnaround, they have now won there twice in a single 72‑hour period, giving them a dream start to the new season. For Forest, the result was far from the ideal launch that new manager Oliver Glasner had hoped for. The team is still searching for cohesion, although the club has already signalled ambition by agreeing a £50 million deal for Chelsea striker Liam Delap, a signing that could reshape their attacking options.
Both clubs will not be eager for an immediate rematch after the Premier League opener that followed the cup tie, but the match itself offered plenty of drama. Early on, Forest’s goalkeeper James Trafford was tested in the 10th minute when he was forced to make a spectacular save from a cross‑shot by Ola Aina that threatened to leave him off‑balance. Shortly after, James Justin was perfectly positioned to block a headed attempt from Igor Jesus, keeping the score level.
Leeds had a chance to go ahead midway through the first half. Dan James drove down the right flank and delivered a pull‑back that fell just behind Sean Longstaff, whose shot was straight at Forest keeper Matz Sels. The game remained tightly contested, with both sides pressing forward.
Leeds defender Joe Rodon made a crucial last‑ditch tackle to deny Chris Wood, while Sels saved a low effort from James on the opposite end. The Welsh international showed composure after the interval.
Five minutes into the second half, a misplaced header from Aina allowed Longstaff to surge forward and set up James, who calmly slotted the ball home to give Leeds the lead. Forest responded quickly. Arnaud Kalimuendo delivered a precise cut‑back that found Wood in a promising position, but Trafford produced a superb save to keep the ball out of the bottom corner.
Noah Okafor then sent a shot wide as Leeds launched a swift counter‑attack. Leeds cemented their victory with about fifteen minutes remaining, although the finish was far from elegant. Lucas Nmecha’s powerful effort was blocked on the line by Forest defender Williams, and James Justin eventually nudged the ball across the line to confirm the 2‑0 scoreline.
After the match, Forest boss Oliver Glasner spoke to Sky Sports, reflecting on his short tenure. He warned against ignoring the club’s reality, noting that the team had endured a nine‑month relegation battle last season, a turbulent period that ended only after a massive effort to stay up. Glasner stressed that the current situation is a starting point, not a destination, and cautioned against unrealistic expectations such as competing for European places so soon.
He described himself as “no magician, no messiah,” emphasizing that hard work and honest assessment are the only ways forward. Leeds manager Daniel Farke also addressed the media, saying the cup run was exactly what the club had set out to achieve. He praised his players for delivering a “remarkable level of performance” at a venue where Leeds had not won for over five decades, let alone twice within three days.
Farke described the Saturday match as a tight contest, but insisted that today’s win was “fully deserved” and a sign of the team’s quality. The win not only propels Leeds deeper into the Carabao Cup but also provides a morale boost ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixtures. It showcases the tactical discipline of Farke’s side and the growing confidence of key players like James and Justin, who have now become reliable goal‑scoring outlets.
For Nottingham Forest, the defeat underscores the challenges that lie ahead for Oliver Glasner. While the club has invested heavily in new talent, including the pending £50 million acquisition of Liam Delap, the immediate task is to tighten the defence, improve finishing, and restore belief among the squad and supporters.
Both teams will now turn their attention to the next round of fixtures. Leeds will aim to build on this momentum, hoping to continue their cup run while maintaining a solid start in the league. Forest, on the other hand, must regroup quickly, address the gaps highlighted by the loss, and begin to translate their financial backing into on‑field results. The Caraboo Cup continues to provide a platform for clubs to test their squads, experiment with tactics, and gain valuable experience against strong opposition.
Leeds’ double‑victory at the City Ground will be remembered as a milestone in the club’s recent history, while Forest’s journey under Glasner remains to be written, with the promise of new signings and a fresh managerial vision offering a glimmer of optimism for the future.