Leeds United celebrated a second triumph at Nottingham Forest in just a three‑day span, confirming their place in the third round of the Carabao Cup. The Yorkshire side, under the guidance of Daniel Farke, collected all three Premier League points available on Saturday and added a 2‑0 win in the league cup, thanks to goals from Dan James and James Justin.
Historically, Leeds had not managed to win at the City Ground since 1972. That long‑standing drought was finally broken over the weekend, and within 72 hours the team had recorded two victories on Forest’s turf, giving them a confident start to the new season.
For Forest’s new manager, Oliver Glasner, the result was far from the ideal launch he had hoped for. The team has yet to find its rhythm, although the club is already working on strengthening the squad, with a £50 million agreement in place for Chelsea striker Liam Delap.
Both clubs were unlikely to be thrilled about a possible rematch so soon after the Premier League opener, but the match still offered several moments of excitement. Early on, Forest’s goalkeeper James Trafford was called into action in the 10th minute, making a spectacular save after Ola Aina’s cross‑shot threatened to catch him off‑balance. Shortly after, James Justin was perfectly positioned to block a header from Igor Jesus, keeping the scores level. Leeds had a chance to take the lead midway through the first half when Dan James drifted down the right flank and delivered a low pull‑back.
The ball fell just behind Sean Longstaff, who struck it directly at Forest keeper Matz Sels, who made a routine save. Both sides pressed forward aggressively. Leeds defender Joe Rodon produced a last‑ditch tackle to deny Chris Wood, while Sels denied James a low effort on the opposite end.
After the halftime break, the Welsh international James James displayed composure, and a wayward header from Aina allowed Longstaff to surge forward, feeding James, who calmly slotted the ball home to give Leeds a 1‑0 advantage. Forest responded quickly.
Arnaud Kalimuendo’s cut‑back found Wood in a promising position, but Trafford once again shone, parrying the shot away from the bottom corner. Noah Okafor then struck a near‑miss, sending his effort wide as Leeds launched a rapid counter‑attack. Leeds sealed the win with fifteen minutes to go, though the finish was not particularly elegant.
Lucas Nmecha’s powerful effort was blocked on the line by Forest defender Williams, and James Justin eventually tapped the rebound into the net, confirming a 2‑0 scoreline. After the match, Forest manager Oliver Glasner spoke to Sky Sports, offering a candid assessment of his short tenure. He admitted that both the club and the squad might be ignoring the harsh realities of their situation. "We are far from where we want to be," Glasner said, recalling the club’s recent nine‑month relegation battle and describing the previous season as turbulent.
He emphasized that blaming individuals would be unproductive and warned against unrealistic expectations, such as competing for European places after only six weeks in charge. "I’m no magician, no messiah – just hard work," he added, urging patience and realism. Leeds boss Daniel Farke also addressed the media, expressing satisfaction with his team’s performance. "This is what we came for – a cup run – and we delivered," he said.
He praised the players for finally securing a win at Nottingham after a long wait and highlighted the difficulty of achieving two victories on such a challenging ground within three days. "Saturday was a tight game, but today it was a fully deserved win," Farke concluded.
The victory not only propels Leeds further in the Carabao Cup but also sends a strong signal about their ambitions for the season. The club’s ability to win in hostile environments and to bounce back quickly after a league defeat demonstrates resilience and depth. For Forest, the loss underscores the challenges ahead as they rebuild under Glasner’s leadership, with new signings like Liam Delap expected to bolster the attack.
Looking ahead, both teams will have busy weeks. Leeds will aim to maintain momentum in the league while preparing for their next cup fixture, whereas Forest will look to tighten up defensively and integrate new players to close the gap between their current standing and the aspirations of their supporters.
The early season drama at the City Ground serves as a reminder that football can be unpredictable, and that success often hinges on a combination of tactical acumen, player determination, and a touch of luck. Fans of both clubs can stay connected through the Sky Sports app for live Premier League action, and free highlights are available online.
Meanwhile, the Super 6 competition continues to offer a chance to win £1 million, with free entry for those who want to test their luck. In summary, Leeds United’s 2‑0 win over Nottingham Forest not only secured their progression in the Carabao Cup but also marked a historic break in a 52‑year winless streak at the City Ground. The match showcased key moments of individual brilliance, tactical discipline, and the importance of seizing opportunities. As the season unfolds, both managers have clear messages: Glasner stresses realism and hard work to rebuild a club emerging from a relegation battle, while Farke celebrates a promising start and looks to build on the momentum for future successes.