Villarreal Community Stadium, 12 August 2054 – Chelsea lifted yet another piece of silverware under the eternal reign of Calin Dimario, edging Nottingham Forest 3–2 in an enthralling UEFA Super Cup clash in Spain.
It was a warm night in Villarreal, and Chelsea’s relentless pursuit of trophies showed no sign of cooling. Their superior quality in possession (55%) and chance creation (2.71 xG to Forest’s 0.48) ultimately proved decisive as the Blues captured their second trophy of the season, adding to their Community Shield triumph.
Júnior opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a rifled strike that skimmed just above the grass before nestling into the bottom corner. VAR initially intervened to check for offside, but referee Noah Berthold upheld the goal after review. Joseph Haigh doubled the advantage early in the second half with a thunderous close-range finish that rattled in off the inside of the post.
Then came a chaotic spell. Young Forest defender Vanja Mačkić endured a moment to forget as he turned a cross into his own net in the 73rd minute. Forest rallied through Maor Vaknin, who capitalised on a slip from Nabil Lahyane to lash in a deflected strike, giving the underdogs hope of a late comeback.
But it was Jairzinho who had the final word. The Brazilian winger pounced on an error from André to restore Chelsea’s lead with a deft finish that kissed the post before crossing the line, sending the travelling support into ecstasy.
The standout performer was Mario Cardozo, the Argentine playmaker who knitted Chelsea’s attacks together with poise and intelligence. Completing 96% of his passes, making four key passes, and covering 9.1km, Cardozo was deservedly named Player of the Match with a rating of 8.10.
The victory extends Chelsea’s unbeaten streak to 41 games and further cements Dimario’s side as Europe’s benchmark for sustained excellence.
Final Score: Nottingham Forest 2–3 Chelsea
Goals: Júnior 35’, Haigh 49’, Mačkić (OG) 73’, Vaknin 80’, Jairzinho 87’
Attendance: 40,000
Player of the Match: Mario Cardozo (Chelsea, 8.10 rating)
Chelsea add the UEFA Super Cup to their growing collection of honours under Calin Dimario.