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. The Yorkshire side, managed by Daniel Farke, 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 success at the City Ground since 1972. Yet, within a single weekend they managed to win there twice, giving the club a buoyant start to the new season.
For Forest, however, the result was far from the optimistic beginning that new manager Oliver Glasner had hoped for. While the club is still in the process of building a new identity, they have already secured a £50 million agreement to bring Chelsea striker Liam Delap to the squad, indicating that significant reinforcements are on the way. Both teams were aware that a quick rematch in the league would be looming after the cup fixture, so the stakes were high for the players to prove themselves. Forest showed early promise when, in the 10th minute, goalkeeper James Trafford was forced into a spectacular save to parry a cross‑shot from Ola Aina that threatened to catch him off‑balance.
Shortly after, James Justin was perfectly positioned to block a header from Igor Jesus, keeping the score level. Leeds had opportunities to take the lead before halftime. Dan James cut in from the right and delivered a pull‑back that 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 denied James a low effort on the opposite end. The deadlock was broken five minutes after the interval. A wayward header from Aina allowed Longstaff to surge forward, laying the ball off to James, who calmly slotted it home to give Leeds a 1‑0 advantage.
Forest responded quickly; Arnaud Kalimuendo’s incisive cut‑back found Wood in a promising position, but Trafford produced another superb save, keeping the ball out of the bottom corner. Shortly after, Noah Okafor unleashed a shot that drifted just wide as Leeds launched a rapid counter‑attack. Leeds cemented their victory with about fifteen minutes remaining, though the finish was not particularly elegant.
Lucas Nmecha’s effort was blocked on the line by Forest defender Williams, and James Justin eventually tapped the ball into the net to make it 2‑0. The win was a testament to Leeds’ resilience and tactical discipline, especially given the difficulty of securing victories at the City Ground.
After the match, Forest manager Oliver Glasner spoke candidly to Sky Sports about the challenges ahead. He reflected on his first six weeks, noting that the club might be ignoring some harsh realities. "We are far away from where we want to be," Glasner said, emphasizing 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. He warned against blaming anyone and stressed that the club must confront the truth rather than live in a "dreamland" where expectations are unrealistic.
Glasner also highlighted the upcoming signing of Liam Delap as a sign that the club is actively working to improve. 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 the squad for delivering a long‑awaited win at Nottingham and then replicating that success within three days on a notoriously difficult ground. Farke described the Saturday match as a tight affair but insisted that the recent victory was fully deserved, underscoring the quality of the performance. The win not only advances Leeds in the Carabao Cup but also provides a morale boost as the season progresses. For Forest, the defeat serves as a reminder that rebuilding will require patience, strategic signings, and a realistic assessment of the club’s current standing.
Both managers recognize that success will not come overnight; it will demand hard work, clear-eyed planning, and perhaps a touch of luck. Looking ahead, Leeds will aim to maintain their momentum in the cup competition while also preparing for their upcoming Premier League fixtures.
Forest, on the other hand, will focus on integrating new talent like Delap and solidifying their defensive structure, hoping to turn early-season setbacks into learning experiences. The match also offered fans a chance to engage with the broader football community. Sky Sports promoted its app for watching live Premier League games, and free highlights were made available for those who missed the action.
Additionally, a promotional Super 6 competition was highlighted, offering a chance to win £1 million, further enhancing the excitement surrounding the sport. In summary, Leeds United’s 2‑0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup not only secured their progression to the next round but also marked a historic double win at the City Ground after a 52‑year drought. The result underscores Leeds’ strong start to the campaign and sets a benchmark for Forest as they navigate a challenging rebuilding phase under Oliver Glasner, with significant investments on the horizon to bolster their squad.