Leeds United celebrated a second triumph at Nottingham Forest in just a 72‑hour span, sealing 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 added a 2‑0 win in the League Cup, thanks to strikes from Dan James and James Justin. Historically, Leeds had not tasted success at the City Ground since 1972, but the weekend saw them break that long‑standing drought twice in three days, giving the club a promising start to the new season. For Forest, however, the result was far from the ideal launch that new boss Oliver Glasner had hoped for.
The team is still finding its rhythm, although the club has already signalled intent by agreeing a £50 million deal for Chelsea forward Liam Delap. Both clubs will likely be relieved that a quick rematch after Saturday’s Premier League opener is not on the cards.
Still, the match offered moments of excitement, particularly early on when James Trafford was forced into a spectacular save in the 10th minute after fending off a cross‑shot from Ola Aina that threatened to catch him off‑balance. Leeds responded swiftly.
James Justin was perfectly positioned to clear Igor Jesus’s headed attempt, 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 that fell just behind Sean Longstaff.
Longstaff’s subsequent shot was straight at Forest keeper Matz Sels, denying the visitors an early lead. The game remained tightly contested, with both sides creating chances.
Leeds defender Joe Rodon made a crucial last‑ditch tackle to stop Chris Wood from finding the net, while Sels saved a low effort from James on the opposite end. After the interval, the Wales international showed composure. A wayward header from Ola Aina allowed Longstaff to surge forward, playing a perfect pass to James, who clipped the ball past Sels to give Leeds the lead. Forest replied almost immediately.
Arnaud Kalimuendo’s cut‑back found Wood in space, but Trafford produced a superb save, denying the striker a bottom‑corner finish. Shortly thereafter, Noah Okafor’s effort drifted wide as Leeds launched a rapid counter‑attack.
Leeds cemented their advantage with about fifteen minutes remaining. Lucas Nmecha’s powerful shot was blocked on the line by Forest defender Williams, and James Justin finished the move, slotting the ball into the net for a comfortable 2‑0 lead.
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 reality” of the club’s situation, noting that they are far from where they aspire to be.
Glasner reflected on the previous season’s nine‑month relegation battle, describing it as a turbulent period that ended with a massive effort to stay up. He emphasized that the current squad should not be blamed for unrealistic expectations, especially when fans might anticipate European competition merely because of his appointment.
"I’m no magician, no messiah, just hard work," he said, urging patience and realism. Leeds manager Daniel Farke also addressed Sky Sports, expressing satisfaction with his team’s performance.
He highlighted that the cup run was a primary objective and praised the players for delivering a “remarkable level of performance” at a venue where Leeds had not won for decades. Farke noted that while Saturday’s league game was tight, today’s victory was unquestionably deserved.
The win not only advances Leeds in the Carabao Cup but also reinforces their early season momentum. It demonstrates the squad’s ability to adapt quickly, recover from setbacks, and execute game plans under pressure. For Forest, the defeat underscores the challenges ahead as they integrate new signings and attempt to rebuild after a difficult previous campaign.
Looking forward, both clubs will aim to capitalize on their respective positions. Leeds will look to maintain their winning streak and push deeper into the cup, while Forest will focus on stabilising under Glasner’s leadership, integrating new talent like Liam Delap, and restoring confidence among supporters. The contrasting fortunes of the two sides this weekend provide a vivid snapshot of the unpredictable nature of English football, where historic venues can become sites of sudden reversal and where managerial ambitions are tested week by week.
Fans can continue to follow the action via the Sky Sports app, watch free Premier League highlights, or even try their luck in the Super 6 competition for a chance at a £1 million prize. The season is only beginning, and both Leeds United and Nottingham Forest have plenty of stories yet to write.