Nottingham Forest faced Leeds United at the City Ground on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in the second round of the EFL Cup. Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United today came only three days after the teams had met at the same stadium in their opening Premier League fixture.
Leeds had won that match 1–0 through Anton Stach’s late free kick, giving Forest an immediate chance to respond in the cup. The Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United match also offered both managers an opportunity to change their lineups, with rotation expected after the demanding league meeting.
Three Days, Same Stadium, Different Stakes
The short turnaround made the latest meeting particularly interesting. Leeds arrived after securing a narrow league victory on August 22, with Stach’s 88th-minute free kick separating the sides. James Trafford and Tarik Muharemović had also made their competitive Leeds debuts in that match, helping the visitors keep a clean sheet.
For Forest, the result had given new manager Oliver Glasner a difficult start to his first official match in charge. A cup response at home would have offered a quick chance to change the mood around the City Ground.
The EFL Cup also brought different pressures. Unlike the league opener, this was a knockout game, meaning one poor performance could end a team’s cup campaign immediately.
Rotation and Lineups
Both managers were expected to make several changes because of the heavy schedule. Forest’s projected lineup included Victor, Harry Toffolo, Murillo, Neco Williams, Aina, Lewis O’Brien, Nicolás Domínguez, Omari Hutchinson, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Chris Wood.
Leeds were also expected to rotate, with Trafford potentially continuing in goal alongside defenders like Elvedi, Jannik Vestergaard, Muharemović, Justin and Junior Firpo. Stach remained one of the players to watch after deciding the previous meeting, while Daniel James and Joel Piroe offered attacking options.
With the same stadium hosting a second meeting in three days, Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United had a familiar setting but a completely different objective. As the cup tie unfolded, the Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United results and major moments would be added throughout the evening.
Full-Time Update
Leeds United defeated Nottingham Forest 2-0 at the City Ground to advance in the EFL Cup after a disciplined second-half performance. The tie remained goalless through the opening 45 minutes, but Leeds broke the deadlock shortly after halftime through Daniel James. Forest pushed forward in search of a response, yet Leeds stayed organized and protected their advantage. James Justin then doubled the lead from a set-piece sequence, before Leeds managed the closing stages to secure a clean sheet and book their place in the next round.
Key Match Moments
25′ Yellow Card – Leeds United: Ao Tanaka is booked for a mistimed midfield challenge.
51′ Goal – Nottingham Forest 0-1 Leeds United: Daniel James breaks the deadlock after Sean Longstaff capitalizes on a Forest defensive error and sets up the finish.
55′-65′ Forest Pressure: Nottingham Forest push forward with direct play and width. Chris Wood goes close, but James Trafford makes an important save to preserve Leeds’ lead.
70′ Substitutions – Leeds United: Anton Stach replaces goalscorer Daniel James, while Jayden Bogle also enters as Leeds look to strengthen their shape.
70′ Chance – Leeds United: Stefan Okafor drives a shot narrowly wide of the post shortly after entering the game.
75′ Goal – Nottingham Forest 0-2 Leeds United: Ethan Ampadu’s long throw causes problems in the Forest box. Tarik Muharemovic provides a flick-on, allowing James Justin to scramble the ball home at the far post after it takes a heavy deflection off Neco Williams.
83′ Substitution – Leeds United: Dominic Calvert-Lewin replaces Lukas Nmecha as Leeds add fresh attacking energy.
85′-90′ Forest Pressure: Forest attempt to threaten with long balls, but Leeds’ defensive line repeatedly catches attackers offside.
90+’ Added Time: Six minutes are added. Matz Sels denies Calvert-Lewin a late third as Leeds see out the victory.
Full-Time: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Leeds United. Leeds advance to the next round of the EFL Cup.
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