Nottingham Forest's Champions League hopes are taking a big hit as Brentford puts them in a 2-0 loss on the city ground - to improve its European aspirations.
The beautiful sunny days in Nottingham turned into stormy rainwater and summarized the current situation of the forest. Nuno Espirito Santo's team entered the game, hoping to finish third. Now, their Champions League qualifying chances have weakened four games.
The hot first half - Keane Lewis-Potter controversially avoided a second booking to block Ola Aina, but ended up as Kevin Schade, making Brentford the lead in an easy way.
A long ball from Nathan Collins saw Aina turnover, which caused Schade to knock the ball down and poke Matz Sels.
This brings a frustrating half to the forest. Things could be worse if Sels didn't save close-range from Sepp Van Den Berg before Schade's opener.
After the break, the forest improved, and Anthony Elanga got a good save from Mark Flekken, leading the host's best chance at the unusually quiet Chris Wood from 7 yards. But the forest will admit it again - in a situation that is very similar to the first goal.
Flekken's long ball was left by Nikola Milenkovic, which gave Yoane Wissa a shot. Players Forest tried to sign in January - just to get Brentford to knock down a £22m offer - clamped the ball to Sels to keep the city ground silent.
This is Brentford's sixth Premier League victory in 2025 - their 19 points on the road are the most of any team in this calendar year. The Bees are now two points behind eighth place, which can qualify for the Europa Conference League next season.
But Forest – now losing four of five games, including the FA Cup semifinal – is now bidding on top European seats. They have four remaining games in sixth place.
"It's a bad night, a bad game," said forest owner Nuno Espirito Santo. "I don't worry about the tables, I care more about the mistakes we're making and how to correct them."
Analysis: Forest, Brentford's stands
This is an amazing case of two teams moving in very different directions.
At the start of the season, Brentford was unable to win away games to save their lives. They lost seven of their first eight trips on the trip, with only one point.
They have now won six away games in 2025 in eight games, with their 19 points more than any other Premier League team. They are climbing up the table and seeing Europe.
Meanwhile, Forest did not lose in the last ten games of the city ground. They now lose their back-to-back home games, leaving them losing four times in five games. They slid down the table.
The goals of both sides are opposite in polarity. Brentford aims to be the Europa Conference League, and Forest is trying to avoid this. But they united and had a common theme: advantageous fixtures.
Both teams are ranked 12th or below against three teams in the last four games. But big games are coming soon. Forest host Chelsea can decide Champions League football on the last day. Brentford plays Fulham in West London Derby, which can decide eighth place.
Forest and Brentford will be under the stands.
Nuno: We have to compete better, that's basic
Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo to Sky Sports:
"It's credited to Brentford, but I think it's a situation we should be addressing (for both goals). Usually, we have better defenses. We're disappointed, but it's about reacting and preparing for the next one.
"I don't think it's a semi-final result. It's demanding on fitness, but the way we admit (tonight) has nothing to do with fitness. It's about better positioning and better ways.
"We didn't create much. Brentford's defense was very good, the box was crowded. We had a few opportunities, but only half the chance.
"It's basic. We have to compete better to achieve what we want. The way we compete, especially in the game, is not what we look like. It's the main problem that solves Monday.
"There are four games and four games left, and there are a lot of football to play. We have to focus on ourselves and get better at getting close to the situation and playing better football games. We want to correct a lot of things."
Frank: That's only seven out of ten
Brentford head coach Thomas Frank works in Sky Sports:
“I think it’s really nice to be here and win a really good team where they are. I just think it’s seven out of 10 performances.
“Defense, we were very strong, hardly giving, and very strong in many stages of the game. But we lost too much, especially in the second half.
“But to go here and get a well-deserved victory, a good clean sheet, and very little to Nottingham.”
Regarding whether his team can get Europe: "There are a few things that need to happen. Our three teams ahead need fewer balls than we do. It's not the best start. We may also need Manchester City to win the FA Cup.
“There are a few things we can’t control, but I’m going to say: I know we talked about this openly before the Brighton game. We need to win this first, first of all, the highest we’ve ever had, and that’s eighth.
“We have been very stable and excellent in the last 12 games. There is another big game on Sunday and we need to try our best to win. We need a perfect run-in. We can win all the games but lose all of that.
"Ask me in three games and then we can answer that question. We are growing as the club grows, the team grows. Our competition is more competitive, our injuries are not as good as last year. But there are a lot of players in the club growing. We have a bad game this season, and we have three, four last season."