Leeds United celebrated a second triumph at Nottingham Forest in just a 72‑hour span, clinching a place in the third round of the Carabao Cup. Manager Daniel Farke’s side collected all three points on Saturday, edging the visitors 2‑0 thanks to goals from Dan James and James Justin. This win is especially significant because Leeds had not won at the City Ground since 1972; now they have managed two victories there in just three days, giving the Yorkshire outfit an encouraging start to the new season.
For Forest, the result was a disappointing opening for new manager Oliver Glasner, who admitted that the team has yet to find its rhythm. The club is already looking to strengthen the squad, with a £50 million agreement in place for Chelsea striker Liam Delap, but the immediate priority remains to turn performances around. Both teams were unlikely to relish the prospect of a quick rematch after Saturday’s Premier League opener, but the early stages of the cup tie offered a glimpse of promise for the home side. In the 10th minute, goalkeeper James Trafford was forced into a spectacular save when Ola Aina’s cross‑shot threatened to catch him off guard.
Shortly after, James Justin was perfectly positioned to block a header from Igor Jesus, keeping the score level. Leeds had a chance to go ahead midway through the first half when Dan James drove down the right flank and delivered a low pull‑back. The ball fell just behind Sean Longstaff, whose shot was straight at Forest keeper Matz Sels. The match 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 deadlock was finally broken five minutes after the break.
A wayward header from Aina allowed Longstaff to surge forward and find James, who calmly clipped the ball into the net to give Leeds a 1‑0 lead. 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. Noah Okafor then struck an effort that drifted just wide as Leeds launched a swift counter‑attack. Leeds sealed the win with about fifteen minutes remaining, though the finish was far from elegant.
Lucas Nmecha’s powerful strike was blocked on the line by Forest defender Williams, and James Justin pounced to tap the ball home, making it 2‑0. The result ensured Leeds progressed to the next round, while Forest were left to contemplate their early struggles under Glasner. After the match, Forest boss Oliver Glasner spoke to Sky Sports, offering a candid assessment of his short tenure. He warned against ignoring the harsh realities of the club’s situation, noting that the team had endured a nine‑month relegation battle last season—a turbulent period that ended with a monumental effort to stay up.
Glasner emphasized that the current position is merely a starting point and that blaming anyone would be unproductive. He reflected on the unrealistic expectations placed on a newly appointed manager, saying, "I'm no magician, no messiah, just hard work. It doesn’t make sense to talk about seventh place two years ago when we are still finding our footing." Leeds manager Daniel Farke also addressed the media, expressing satisfaction with his side’s performance.
He highlighted the importance of cup runs for the club and praised his players for delivering a "remarkable level of performance" on a notoriously tough ground. Farke noted that while Saturday’s league match was a tight affair, today’s cup victory was undeniably deserved, underlining the team's resilience and tactical discipline. The win not only adds a trophy‑chasing opportunity for Leeds but also serves as a morale boost after a long wait for success at the City Ground. For Nottingham Forest, the defeat underscores the challenges ahead for Glasner as he seeks to reshape the squad and restore confidence.
With the transfer market now in motion and a significant investment earmarked for Delap, Forest supporters will be hoping that the club can quickly reverse its fortunes and become competitive in both league and cup competitions. Overall, the fixture provided an entertaining showcase of defensive solidity, opportunistic attacking play, and the early narrative of a season that promises both excitement and challenges for the two clubs involved.