CHELSEA BOOK UCL SPOT AFTER NARROW WIN AGAINST N’FOREST ON EPL FINAL DAY
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By: Sefiu Ajape
Chelsea secured a spot in next season’s Champions League as Levi Colwill’s early second-half goal delivered a 1-0 victory at the City Ground, ending Nottingham Forest’s hopes of a top-five finish on Sunday.
Colwill’s strike ensured Enzo Maresca’s side return to Europe’s premier club competition after a two-year absence, finishing fourth in the Premier League—four points clear of seventh-placed Forest, who must settle for the UEFA Conference League after missing out on a first Champions League appearance since 1980–81.
Despite criticism of Maresca’s cautious tactics, Chelsea won five of their final six league matches to clinch qualification. With their Champions League fate secured, they can now turn their attention to chasing silverware, starting with the UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis on Wednesday—an opportunity to end a trophy drought dating back to the 2022 Club World Cup.
Maresca’s side raised their away form—historically only seven wins from 18—by responding to pressure in a must-win fixture, contrasting with their strong record of 12 victories in 19 home games at Stamford Bridge.
Forest, who occupied third place for much of the season, saw their UCL dreams fade after failing to win any of their last four home matches.
Nonetheless, their sixth-place finish marks their best league performance since 1994–95 and represents a significant leap from last season’s relegation battle.
– Chelsea hold their nerve –
Forest’s players were greeted by hundreds of fans waving red flares and balloons when they stepped off the team bus, setting the tone for a raucous atmosphere that peaked when Taiwo Awoniyi came onto the pitch just before kick-off.
Awoniyi sustained a serious abdominal injury after colliding with a post against Leicester and has been recovering after being placed in an induced coma following surgery.
Nuno Espirito Santo had urged Forest to use the Nigerian striker’s recovery from his horrific injury as their inspiration.
There was no lack of endeavour from Nuno’s team as they worked tirelessly to rattle Chelsea, but chances were at a premium in a tense clash.
It took Chelsea half an hour to create a chance of note when Pedro Neto shot wastefully over from five yards after Cole Palmer’s cross picked out the winger.
Forest striker Chris Wood squandered a similar opportunity just before half-time as he met Ola Aina’s cross with a volley that flashed over from close range.
With an average age of 24 years and 36 days, Chelsea’s starting line-up was the youngest over the course of an entire season in the Premier League era.
Chelsea’s lack of experience has been an issue at times in a rocky season, but they got the job done in the 50th minute.
Neco Williams’ weak attempt to head clear was seized on by Neto, and his low cross reached Colwill for a tap-in at the far post.
The 22-year-old defender’s second goal this season reduced the Forest fans to silence, before news of top-five rivals Newcastle falling behind against Everton brought renewed roars of hope from the stands.
It was that kind of afternoon, with momentum swings up and down the country, but it was Chelsea who held their nerve to wrap up a lucrative Champions League spot.
AFP
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