UEL: Midtjylland Edge Nottingham Forest 1-0 in Europa League Round of 16

Forest suffer 1-0 defeat to Midtjylland in Europa League

Nottingham Forest lose 1-0 to Midtjylland in Europa League last 16 first leg, with Cho Gue-sung scoring the late winner.

Ousmane Diao's cross from the right was perfect for Cho Gue-sung, who headed past Sels despite Aina's challenge...

Nottingham Forest's winless streak extended to five games after they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Midtjylland in the Europa League last 16 first leg. The Danish side scored late, with Cho Gue-sung heading in the winner from Ousmane Diao's cross in the 80th minute.

Midtjylland had previously beaten Forest 3-2 at the City Ground in October, and they replicated that success with a narrow 1-0 win. Despite Forest's dominance in possession and chances, Midtjylland's defense held firm, and they capitalized on their second shot on target.

Less than three minutes were on the clock when Philip Billing - who boasts four career goal involvements against Forest - delivered a cross to the back post for Junior Brumado, but his header was denied by a vital Murillo clearance.

Despite seeing Jair Cunha forced off injured, the hosts recovered from that early scare and soon started to unleash shots on the Midtjylland goal, albeit from long range.

Omari Hutchinson was first to threaten, forcing Elias Olafsson into a smart save. Ola Aina's follow-up effort was spilled into Igor Jesus' path, but the Brazilian's rebound went wide.

Olafsson then tipped Elliot Anderson's powerful shot over the bar. Jesus' header from the corner was cleared off the line by Billing.

The Tricky Trees' best chance came late in the first half when Hutchinson picked out Morgan Gibbs-White, but his effort was blocked, keeping the tie finely poised.

After the restart, Vítor Pereira's men were quick off the mark. Aina's effort was blocked by Gibbs-White, and Nicolas Dominguez's shot went wide.

Driving rain and strong winds made it tough for both teams, but Nottingham Forest seemed to be coping better. However, Midtjylland's Valdemar Andreasen nearly caught them off guard, forcing Matz Sels into a great save and hitting the bar from the corner.

Midtjylland defeat Nottingham Forest at the City Ground 👏#UEL pic.twitter.com/X78JJZu3Pv

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 12, 2026

As puddles formed on the City Ground pitch, Forest's attack stalled. That left them exposed, and Midtjylland capitalized with a lead in the final 10 minutes.

Ousmane Diao's cross from the right was perfect for Cho Gue-sung, who headed past Sels despite Aina's challenge.

The stunned hosts couldn't respond, leaving them a tough task for next week's second leg, especially with Midtjylland's unbeaten home record this season.