Colwill's strike helps Chelsea beat Forest to clinch UCL qualification

Chelsea beat wasteful Nottingham Forest 1-0 to clinch Champions League qualification for the 2025/26 campaign.

Both teams came into the game with UCL qualification in sight. The game started brightly, with both teams missing gilt-edged chances. Eventually, Chelsea broke the deadlock through Levi Colwill and held on to maximum points and, consequently, the UCL place.

Forest came out strong, dictating the tempo in the early going. Chelsea, meanwhile, were content to soak up the pressure, their defence marshalled expertly to repel Forest's initial onslaught.

As the half-hour mark approached, the game settled into a rhythm, with both sides missing a big chance. Pedro Neto for Chelsea, flashing his attempt wide, and Chris Wood for Forest, sending Ola Aina’s cross over the bar.

The second half began with a sense of urgency, and Chelsea's patience was rewarded when Levi Colwill tapped home the opener after a misjudged header from Neco Williams.

With Forest now needing two goals to revive their UCL hopes, Chelsea's defence became increasingly resolute, shutting down Forest's attacking avenues. A late long ball from Matz Sels gave Chris Wood a chance, but the striker's off-balance effort saw him sky another telling chance.

The defeat marked the end of Forest’s UCL dreams, with owner Marinakis visibly sulking in the stands. Chelsea on the other hand sealed UCL qualification and received a major morale boost for their Conference League final against Real Betis.