Nottingham Forest’s journey toward Champions League qualification has become one of the most exciting narratives of the 2024/25 Premier League season. As the campaign reaches its final stretch, with just seven matches remaining, the Reds find themselves in a position that seemed unthinkable just a few months ago. Sitting in third place, Forest are on the brink of what would be a remarkable achievement—a return to Europe’s premier club competition, the Champions League, after a 40-year absence. This potential return to the European spotlight is not only thrilling for the club’s supporters but also deeply significant given Forest’s storied history in European football.
The news that Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League guarantees the Premier League five spots in next season’s competition has provided Forest with an unexpected boost. This victory has confirmed that two additional Champions League spots will be awarded to Premier League clubs, based on UEFA’s updated coefficient system, which rewards nations for their performance in European competitions. As a result, the Premier League now has a total of five places in the Champions League for the 2025/26 season. Forest, currently in third place, can afford to drop as low as fifth and still secure a coveted spot in the competition. For a club that has long been absent from Europe’s top table, this is a monumental opportunity that fans and players alike are eager to seize.
At the start of the season, few would have dared to predict that Forest would be in the mix for a Champions League spot, given the competitive nature of the Premier League. However, under the stewardship of Nuno Espirito Santo, the team has exceeded expectations in a way that has captivated both supporters and pundits alike. Espirito Santo’s tactical acumen, ability to get the best out of his squad, and solid team ethic have been key to Forest’s rise up the table. The former Wolves boss has revitalized the team, instilling a sense of belief and a never-say-die attitude. His work with the squad, which has seen key players step up and new signings make an immediate impact, has been hailed by many, including pundits such as Jamie Redknapp. Espirito Santo’s tactical flexibility has allowed Forest to thrive against some of the league’s toughest opposition, and now, with seven games to go, the prospect of Champions League football is firmly in their grasp.
The support for Espirito Santo’s methods has been reflected in Forest’s performances on the pitch. The team has been defensively solid, with a backline that has proved difficult to break down. At the same time, they have shown attacking fluidity and creativity, scoring goals at crucial moments and displaying a growing confidence in possession. The likes of Taiwo Awoniyi, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Brennan Johnson have been integral to their attacking success, and their performances in the final weeks of the season will be pivotal to Forest’s Champions League ambitions. If they can maintain their current form, Forest have a real chance of holding onto their top-five spot and making their dream a reality.
However, it’s not just about the team’s current form—Forest’s supporters have been instrumental in this journey. The City Ground has become a fortress once again, with passionate fans backing their team through thick and thin. Forest’s supporters have witnessed the highs of European glory in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and the prospect of returning to those heights has reignited a sense of pride and excitement in the club. The fans are dreaming once more of European nights under the floodlights, something that has been a distant memory for so long. The connection between the fans and the players has never been stronger, and as Forest push for a place in the Champions League, the energy and belief from the stands will continue to play a crucial role.
The significance of Forest’s potential return to the Champions League cannot be overstated. For a club with such a rich history in European football, a return to the competition would be nothing short of momentous. Forest’s European pedigree is undeniable; they are two-time European Cup winners, having lifted the prestigious trophy in 1979 and 1980 under the legendary Brian Clough. These triumphs, particularly their victories over Malmö and Hamburg, cemented Forest’s place in footballing folklore. For a club that has not tasted European competition since the early 1980s, the chance to return to the European stage would be a fitting revival of their legacy. The fact that Forest are on the verge of achieving that dream—40 years later—speaks to the determination, resilience, and ambition that defines the club.
It’s not just about the glory, though. The financial rewards of participating in the Champions League would be transformative for Forest, providing a significant boost to their transfer budget and offering the opportunity to attract top-tier talent to the City Ground. The competition’s lucrative TV deals, sponsorships, and matchday revenue would provide Forest with the resources to strengthen their squad and compete with Europe’s elite. If they can secure a place in the Champions League, it would open the door to further growth and stability for the club. Forest’s return to the European stage could act as a springboard for future success, propelling them to become regular contenders in the Premier League and beyond.
Of course, Forest’s Champions League hopes are not without their challenges. While they are currently in a strong position, the competition for the top-five spots in the Premier League is fierce, and they will need to maintain their consistency and resilience in the final stretch of the season. Forest’s remaining fixtures will be critical in determining their fate, and they will need to remain focused on the task at hand. They cannot afford to slip up against mid-table teams, and their upcoming matches will test their mental and physical fortitude. But with Espirito Santo at the helm and a squad that is brimming with talent and determination, Forest will undoubtedly give their all in the pursuit of Champions League glory.
The excitement surrounding Forest’s potential qualification for the Champions League is contagious, and the club’s supporters are relishing the opportunity to see their team compete on Europe’s biggest stage once again. For a club that has been out of the European spotlight for so long, this is a momentous chance to restore their former glory. The Reds may not have been in the Champions League for decades, but they are now just a few steps away from returning to the competition that all the top clubs in Europe aspire to.
If Forest can secure Champions League qualification, it would be the culmination of years of hard work, vision, and perseverance. It would also mark the beginning of a new era for the club, one where the ambition of competing at the highest level is a reality. For Forest fans, the dream of European nights at the City Ground may soon become a reality once more, and they will be hoping that their team can finish the season strong and secure their place in the 2025/26 Champions League. A historic return to Europe is within reach, and the next seven games will determine whether the Reds can make their dream come true.