Nottingham Forest’s top eight hopes suffered a blow after a 1-0 Europa League defeat at Sporting Braga, decided by a Ryan Yates own goal.
Nottingham Forest’s hopes of automatic Europa League qualification suffered a major blow after a 1-0 defeat at Sporting Braga. Ryan Yates’ second half own goal proved decisive in Portugal. Forest were punished moments after Morgan Gibbs White missed from the penalty spot. The loss leaves Sean Dyche’s side relying on results elsewhere in round 8 to secure a top eight finish.
Forest travelled to northern Portugal knowing victory would boost their top eight chances. Dyche made seven changes following a domestic draw at the weekend. The reshuffle failed to bring fluency in difficult conditions. Braga controlled territory without creating clear chances before the break.
The first half offered little quality from either side. Morgan Gibbs White forced the only save with a curling free kick. Lukas Hornicek pushed the effort away smartly. Braga threatened once when Gabri Martinez headed wide at the far post.
Forest had a golden chance shortly after the restart. James McAtee was fouled in the area by Martinez. Gibbs White stepped up but saw his penalty saved low to the left. Less than a minute later, Forest were behind.
Ricardo Horta broke down the right and delivered a low cross. Yates attempted to clear but diverted the ball into his own net. The goal stunned Forest and lifted the home crowd. Braga led despite failing to register a shot on target.
Forest pushed for an equaliser but lacked cutting edge. Gibbs White fired over from a promising position. Ola Aina struck the crossbar with a long-range effort. Dan Ndoye was denied from close range by Hornicek.
Braga carried threat on the break and nearly doubled their lead. Substitute Pau Victor struck the inside of the post. Forest felt they should have had another penalty late on. Ndoye was instead booked for simulation.
Frustration boiled over in stoppage time. Substitute Elliot Anderson was shown a straight red card. The dismissal followed words directed at the referee. Forest ended the night with ten men.
Hornicek impressed with decisive saves at key points. Horta’s direct running caused Forest problems after the break. For Nottingham Forest, Yates endured a difficult night on his return to the side.
The numbers underline Forest’s frustration on the night. They recorded 12 shots compared to Braga’s six. Forest generated 1.74 expected goals to Braga’s 0.55. The hosts are now fifth while Forest slipped to 16th.
The result leaves Forest three points outside the top eight. Automatic qualification is now highly unlikely. Braga’s victory strengthens their own hopes of avoiding the play offs. They extended an impressive European home record.
Forest supporters voiced their frustration at full time in Portugal. The performance followed recent rotation that failed to deliver cohesion. Dyche admitted the margin for error is now minimal. Injuries and squad availability continue to test depth in Europe. The final round now carries significant pressure for both players and coaching staff. Forest will also be without Anderson for the decisive match. The suspension further limits options in midfield.
Forest return to Premier League action away at Brentford on Sunday. Attention then turns to their final Europa League fixture. Ferencvaros visit the City Ground next Thursday. Forest must win and hope for favourable results elsewhere. Braga finish the league phase away to GA Eagles.
