In-depth Analysis
Nottingham Forest introduced a major ticket price reduction policy in an effort to attract a large crowd and fill the stands for last weekâs first-leg clash at City Ground. However, the home fansâ expectations were quickly dampened as Forest suffered a 1-0 defeat to Midtjylland.
After the match, new head coach Vitor Pereira even complained that âeven the rain was againstâ his side, as Forest produced a remarkably wasteful display in front of goal. Despite creating plenty of chances and applying relentless pressure, the English side simply could not convert their opportunities into goals. That same attacking frustration resurfaced in their 0-0 draw with Fulham in the Premier League last weekend.
Appointed last month to replace Sean Dyche, Pereira made a highly promising start by leading Forest to an impressive 3-0 away victory over Fenerbahce. However, that result failed to provide the momentum the team had hoped for. Since that game, the âTricky Treesâ have struggled to rediscover consistency under the Portuguese manager, going six consecutive matches without a win in all competitions, recording two draws and four defeats.
With the club currently battling the threat of relegation in the Premier League while also facing the prospect of an early Europa League exit, Forestâs finishing problems have become increasingly evident, especially at home. Statistics show they have scored just one goal in their last five matches at City Ground across all competitions, despite registering as many as 99 shots. Still, the one encouraging sign is that their away form continues to offer some hope, with Forest scoring nine goals in their last five away games.
In fact, the English side have won two of their last three away matches in the Europa League, and if they are to turn the tie around and book a place in the quarter-finals, they will need to reproduce that level of efficiency on the road. If they manage to do so, it would mark the first time since the 1995/96 UEFA Cup campaign that Forest have reached the last eight of a major European competition.
As for Midtjylland, the Danish side also boast a rather intriguing statistic. In their entire history of European competition, they have only scored two decisive away goals from the 80th minute onward, and notably, both came against Nottingham Forest, including the 88th-minute winner in their 3-2 victory during the league phase last October.
Midtjylland have emerged as one of the most eye-catching surprise packages in this seasonâs Europa League. The Danish representatives finished the league phase in an impressive third place, winning seven of their nine matches. Holding the advantage from the first leg, they are now in a strong position to reach the quarter-finals of a continental competition for the first time in their history.