Porto 1-1 Nottingham Forest: Report, result and goals as Tricky Trees take momentum home
Catch up with all the action from Porto vs Nottingham Forest in the Europa League
Porto and Nottingham Forest played out a tense, but even 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final at the Estadio do Dragao, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of next week’s return at the City Ground.
The hosts dominated early proceedings and were rewarded with the opening goal, but a remarkable error allowed Forest to respond almost immediately in a game that ultimately settled into a stalemate.
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Porto strike early but gift Forest a route back
Porto made a blistering start and should have been ahead inside the opening minute, only to be denied twice by an inspired Stefan Ortega. Their pressure eventually told in the 11th minute when a slick team move ended with William Gomes tapping in Gabriel Veiga’s cross at the far post.
It was a deserved lead, however, their advantage lasted just two minutes. Under pressure, Martim Fernandes attempted a routine back-pass, only to send the ball beyond his own goalkeeper and into the net from distance.
Forest ride pressure as Porto push for winner
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Porto controlling territory and creating the better openings. Ortega produced a series of good saves, while the visitors struggled to sustain any meaningful attacking pressure.
Porto introduced Pepe just before the hour mark, and the substitute injected more urgency down the left, creating several chances.
Forest thought they had completed the turnaround midway through the half when Igor Jesus bundled home following a collision with Diogo Costa, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for a high challenge on the goalkeeper.
Late tension but no breakthrough
As the match entered its closing stages, Porto pushed for a winner that would preserve their perfect home record in the competition, but Forest’s defensive structure was too difficult to break down.
The visitors nearly snatched a late goal themselves when Neco Williams was played into space, only for Porto to recover and clear the danger.
Despite facing 16 shots, Forest held on for a draw that will feel valuable given the balance of play, while Porto were left to reflect on missed opportunities and a costly defensive lapse in the first half.
With the tie level at 1-1, the second leg promises to be a cracker in the Midlands, with both sides knowing a place in the semi-finals remains firmly within reach.