Chelsea crush Nottingham Forest to reach Champions League Semi Finals
Chelsea stormed into the UEFA Champions League Semi Finals after a ruthless 5–0 win over Nottingham Forest in the second leg, completing a dominant 9–0 aggregate victory at City Ground.
Early blitz stuns Forest
It took just five minutes for Joseph Haigh to open the scoring with a powerful header from point-blank range. Four minutes later, Netanel Sahar doubled the lead with a thumping volley after clever buildup play on the right flank. The relentless pressure continued into the second half, where Júnior added a third from close range in the 53rd minute.
Fernando González unleashed a stunning 26-metre strike into the top corner to make it 4–0 before Mario Cardozo capitalised on a defensive error to score Chelsea’s fifth. Forest managed just three shots all game compared to Chelsea’s 19, as the visitors enjoyed 51% possession and an expected goals tally of 3.21.
Player of the Match: Pele
Pele was instrumental in Chelsea’s attacking dominance, registering three assists, completing five key passes, and earning a perfect 10.0 rating. His creativity and composure were vital to dismantling Forest’s defence.
“We’re in a great place mentally and tactically,” said Pele. “Everyone’s contributing, and our confidence is sky-high heading into the semi-finals.”
Dimario praises team unity
Manager Calin Dimario lauded his players’ focus and execution:
“The energy and cohesion were outstanding. We knew we couldn’t get complacent despite the first-leg result, and the lads responded perfectly.”
Having already recorded huge aggregate wins over Bayern Munich and Forest, Chelsea continue their bid for a record-breaking third consecutive Champions League crown.
Final Score: Nottingham Forest 0–5 Chelsea (Agg. 0–9)
Goals: Haigh (5’), Sahar (9’), Júnior (53’), González (62’), Cardozo (70’)
Player of the Match: Pele (Chelsea)
Category: Match Report, UEFA Champions League