Forest Chase Third European Final as Hutchinson Eyes ‘Amazing’ Finish
Omari Hutchinson had 10 dribbles and 4 chances created as Nottingham Forest beat Aston Villa 1-0 in the Europa League semi-final first leg.
A draw at Villa Park would send Forest through to their third major European final...
Omari Hutchinson said reaching the Europa League final would be “amazing” for Nottingham Forest, adding that the club’s run to the semi-finals has given the squad a lift while they stay focused on what’s ahead.
Forest took a 1-0 lead in the first leg against Aston Villa at the City Ground on Thursday, with Chris Wood scoring a late penalty to win it.
Hutchinson stood out with 10 successful dribbles, four chances created, and tied for the second-most shots in the game. Those numbers made him the first player to hit all three in the Europa League since Nico Williams did it for Athletic Club against AS Roma last season.
The 22-year-old said a final would mean everything, but made clear there’s still work to do before Forest can think that far ahead.
“I think for us getting to the semi-final has been a massive boost to the club, to us players because it's very hard to get into the semi-finals,” the England youth international said.
“Obviously, we've just won (against Aston Villa), so we've got to focus on next week.
“If we get to the final, it's going to be amazing for the club and for everyone, really.”
A draw in the second leg would send Vítor Pereira’s side through, with Forest aiming for a third major European final. They previously won the European Cup in 1978-79 and 1979-80.
History favors Forest too. They’ve gone through in 12 of their last 13 knockout ties after winning the first leg, with the only exception coming against Anderlecht in the 1983-84 UEFA Cup semi-final.
Hutchinson created Forest’s winner when his cross hit Lucas Digne’s arm, leading to a VAR check and Chris Wood’s penalty.
Speaking afterward, Hutchinson said he didn’t realize his touch from Morgan Gibbs-White’s pass had stayed in the box.
“I thought I got there just in time. I didn't see it back, but everyone says get at the back post, so I just tried for that one. I could have left it, but got lucky with it.”
He also talked about juggling league and European games, and said he’s confident in the squad’s form after going unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions.
“It's about recovery. I think we've got to recover fast and just treat our body right,” the former Ipswich Town man continued.
“We've just got to dig through it, it's the last four games now, so we've just got to dig deep and keep going.
“We want to win all our games. I think we've got a massive confidence now, we've been winning a lot. I think next week we can get at them again.”
Omari Hutchinson last night. 💫 pic.twitter.com/iDvYGXsfzq
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 1, 2026
Hutchinson arrived at the City Ground from Chelsea for a club-record £37.5m but took time to find his feet. He’s now become a key part of Forest’s attack.
He explained what’s helped him settle in, and how he’s adjusting to the pace of playing regular Premier League and Europa League football.
“I've just kept going, I haven't felt sorry for myself,” Hutchinson added.
“In football, a lot can change in a short amount of time. I'm just grateful to have that mentality and to have God with me as I keep progressing in my career.”
Before the Europa League semi-final second leg at Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest head to Stamford Bridge for a Premier League match on Monday.
Taking a lead to Villa Park. 👊 pic.twitter.com/bheT1hGYkz
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) April 30, 2026
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