Leeds United celebrated a second triumph at Nottingham Forest in just a three‑day span, sealing their place in the third round of the Carabaa Cup. Under the guidance of 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 win was especially sweet because Leeds had not tasted success at the City Ground since 1972. In a remarkable turnaround, they have now conquered the venue twice in 72 hours, giving the club a promising start to the new season.
For Forest, the result was far from the ideal launch that new manager Oliver Glasner hoped for. The team is still trying to find its rhythm, although the club has already signalled further investment, with a £50 million agreement in place for Chelsea striker Liam Delap. Both managers were aware that a quick rematch was unlikely after the Premier League opener, but the match still delivered plenty of drama. Early on, Forest showed a glimpse of promise when goalkeeper James Trafford was forced into a spectacular save in the 10th minute, denying Ola Aina’s cross‑shot that threatened to catch him off‑balance.
Shortly after, James Justin was in the right place to block Igor Jesus’s header, keeping the score level. Leeds had a chance to take the lead midway through the first half when Dan James drove down the right flank.
His low‑cross was pulled back just behind Sean Longstaff, who struck the ball straight at Forest keeper Matz Sels. The ball was comfortably saved, and the game remained deadlocked. Both sides pressed forward, and Leeds defender Joe Rodon produced a crucial last‑ditch tackle to deny Chris Wood, while Sels once again kept out a low effort from James on the opposite end.
The deadlock was finally broken five minutes after the restart. A wayward header from Ola Aina fell to Longstaff, who surged forward and laid the ball off to James. The midfielder timed his run perfectly and clipped the ball into the net, giving Leeds a 1‑0 lead. Forest responded quickly.
Arnaud Kalimuendo delivered a precise cut‑back that found Wood in a promising position, but Trafford made a brilliant save, parrying the shot away from the bottom corner. Shortly after, Noah Okafor unleashed a strike that drifted just wide as Leeds launched a rapid counter‑attack.
Leeds doubled their advantage with about fifteen minutes remaining, though the goal was not a picture‑perfect finish. Lucas Nmecha’s effort was blocked on the line by Forest defender Williams, but James Justin reacted swiftly, slotting the rebound into the back of the net to make it 2‑0.
After the match, Forest boss Oliver Glasner spoke to Sky Sports, reflecting on his short tenure. He admitted that the club might be ignoring the reality of its situation, noting that they are "far away from where we want to be" after a nine‑month relegation battle that ended only through a massive collective effort. Glasner emphasized that he does not see himself as a magician or a messiah, but rather someone who will rely on hard work to rebuild.
He warned against dreaming about European qualification when the club is still dealing with the aftermath of a turbulent season, and he stressed the importance of facing facts rather than living in a "dreamland". Leeds manager Daniel Farke also addressed the media, stating that the victory was exactly what his team had set out to achieve. He praised his squad for their "remarkable level of performance" at a notoriously difficult venue, especially after a long wait for a win at Nottingham.
Farke described Saturday’s match as tight, but asserted that today’s result was a "fully deserved win" and a testament to the team's determination. The win not only advances Leeds in the Carabao Cup but also provides a morale boost for a side that has struggled to find consistency early in the campaign.
For Forest, the defeat underscores the challenges that lie ahead for Glasner as he attempts to reshape a squad still reeling from a near‑relegation scare. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for both clubs as they aim to build momentum, integrate new signings, and solidify their ambitions—Leeds targeting a deep cup run and Forest seeking stability and progress under their new manager.
In summary, Leeds United’s back‑to‑back victories at the City Ground mark a significant early milestone in their season, while Nottingham Forest must confront a reality check and continue to work towards a turnaround, bolstered by potential new talent such as Liam Delap. The narrative of perseverance, tactical adjustments, and the pursuit of future success will undoubtedly shape the remainder of their campaigns.