Leeds United celebrated a second triumph at Nottingham Forest in just a span of three days, clinching a 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 followed that up with a 2-0 win in the league cup, thanks to goals from Dan James and James Justin.
The victory was particularly significant because Leeds had not won at the City Ground since 1972. In a remarkable turnaround, they managed to win there twice in a 72‑hour period, giving the club a positive start to the new season. For Forest, the result was far from the ideal debut that new manager Oliver Glasner had hoped for, and the team still appears to be searching for cohesion.
The club, however, has signalled ambition with a £50 million agreement for Chelsea striker Liam Delap, indicating that reinforcements are on the way. Both clubs 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 Forest.
In the tenth minute, goalkeeper James Trafford was forced into a spectacular save when he had to block a cross‑shot from Ola Aina that threatened to catch him off‑balance. Shortly after, James Justin was perfectly positioned to clear a header from Igor Jesus, preventing an early lead for the visitors. Leeds entered the second half with the expectation of taking the lead.
Mid‑fielder Dan James drifted down the right flank and delivered a pull‑back that fell just behind Sean Longstaff. Longstaff’s shot was straight at Forest keeper Matz Sels, who made a routine save. 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 again denied James with a low effort at the opposite end.
Five minutes after the restart, the Wales international displayed composure. Aina’s wayward header fell to Longstaff, who surged forward and laid the ball off to James. The midfielder clipped the ball past Sels, giving Leeds a deserved lead.
Forest responded quickly; Arnaud Kalimuendo produced a precise cut‑back for Wood, but Trafford once more rose to his feet, smothering the shot that was headed for the bottom corner. Noah Okafor then struck an effort that drifted just wide as Leeds launched a rapid counter‑attack. Leeds sealed the win with fifteen minutes remaining, though the finish was not particularly elegant.
Lucas Nmecha’s powerful strike was blocked on the line by Forest defender Williams, and James Justin finally slotted the rebound into the net to make it 2‑0. After the match, Forest boss Oliver Glasner spoke to Sky Sports, offering a candid assessment of his short tenure. He admitted that the club, after a nine‑month relegation battle, was still far from the standards he expects.
Glasner emphasized that the team must confront reality rather than indulge in wishful thinking, noting that while fans may have imagined European ambitions, the immediate priority is to rebuild and work hard. He stressed that he is not a magician or a messiah, but a manager committed to hard work and realistic goals.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke also addressed the media, expressing satisfaction with his side’s performance. He highlighted that the cup run was a primary objective for the club and praised his players for delivering a remarkable performance at a venue where Leeds had historically struggled.
Farke described the Saturday league match as tight but asserted that the cup victory was fully deserved, reflecting the team’s determination and resilience. The win also marked a historic moment for Leeds, breaking a 51‑year drought at the City Ground and demonstrating the squad’s ability to thrive under pressure. The combination of disciplined defending, timely interceptions, and clinical finishing proved decisive.
For Forest, the defeat serves as a reminder that rebuilding will take time, and the upcoming signing of Liam Delap may provide a much‑needed boost to their attacking options. Looking ahead, Leeds will aim to carry this momentum into the next round of the Carabao Cup, while Forest will regroup and focus on integrating new signings and solidifying their tactical approach under Glasner’s leadership.
Both clubs have clear objectives: Leeds to continue their cup run and solidify their league standing, and Forest to restore confidence and climb the Premier League table. The match also featured several notable moments for fans watching at home.
Sky Sports promoted its app for live Premier League games, and free highlights were available for those who missed the action. Additionally, a promotional offer invited viewers to play the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £1 million, underscoring the commercial side of modern football broadcasting. Overall, the encounter showcased the unpredictable nature of cup football, where a team like Leeds can overturn a long‑standing away record and secure a vital win, while a club like Nottingham Forest must confront the challenges of a new managerial era and the realities of Premier League competition.