Nottingham Forest’s struggles continued as their winless streak extended to five matches across all competitions, following a 1-0 defeat to Midtjylland in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 clash at the City Ground.
The Danish side came close to an early breakthrough, echoing their previous league meeting on this same pitch.
Within the opening three minutes, Philip Billing, who has four career goal contributions against Forest, sent a dangerous cross to the back post for Junior Brumado, but Forest’s defense, led by a crucial clearance from Murillo, kept the score level.
Despite the early scare and losing Jair Cunha to injury, Forest gradually settled and began testing the Midtjylland goal from distance.
Omari Hutchinson forced a smart save from goalkeeper Elias Olafsson, and when Ola Aina’s follow-up effort fell to Igor Jesus, the Brazilian was unable to find the target.
Shortly after, Elliot Anderson’s long-range strike was tipped over by Olafsson, and a corner header from Jesus was cleared off the line by Billing, keeping the tie tightly poised.
Forest’s best first-half opportunity came late when Hutchinson set up Morgan Gibbs-White in the box, only for his effort to be blocked, leaving the score goalless at the break.
The second half started quickly, with Forest pressing for an opener. Aina’s attempt from the edge of the area was blocked by Gibbs-White, and Nicolas Dominguez dragged a shot wide, but the weather increasingly became a factor.
Driving rain and gusting winds made conditions difficult, and while Forest appeared to cope better, Midtjylland remained a threat.
Half-time substitute Valdemar Andreasen tested Matz Sels before hitting the crossbar from a corner.
As waterlogged patches formed on the City Ground pitch, Forest’s attacking rhythm faltered, leaving gaps at the back.
Midtjylland capitalized in the final 10 minutes when Ousmane Diao delivered a precise cross from the right, allowing Cho Gue-sung to shrug off Aina and head the ball into the bottom corner.
Forest were unable to respond in the closing stages, leaving them with a tough task ahead in the second leg, especially against a Midtjylland side unbeaten at home this season in all competitions.
