Nottingham Forest's miserable run continued as they slumped to a 1-0 home defeat against FC Midtjylland in the Europa Conference League last-16 first leg. Cho Gue-sung’s 80th-minute header punished the wasteful hosts, who dominated possession and created numerous chances but failed to find the net in torrential rain at the City Ground.
Vítor Pereira, Forest's fourth manager of the season, remains without a win in five games since his opening victory over Fenerbahce. The result leaves the Premier League side, who are above the relegation zone only on goal difference, facing an uphill task in next week's second leg in Denmark.
Forest had 22 attempts on goal to Midtjylland's six, with an expected goals tally of 1.7 compared to 0.85 for the visitors. Elías Rafn Ólafsson produced several fine saves, while Philip Billing headed off the line for the Danes. The match was played in a deluge that caused the ball to stick in puddles.
“The ball today doesn’t want to obey and to go inside the goal,” said Pereira. “They create two chances and they score a goal. But they didn’t win the tie – they are celebrating a lot, like they finished the game today.”
Midtjylland coach Mike Tullberg believed Forest looked improved from their group-stage encounter, which his side won 3-2. “For me, it’s not a team playing against relegation,” he said. “With these players out there, they are a very good Premier League side.”
Forest now face a crucial Premier League match against Fulham on Sunday, with Pereira insisting his players will recover. The club also faces upheaval off the pitch as global head of football Edu prepares to depart.
