Chelsea secured a dramatic return to the UEFA Champions League as Levi Colwill’s second-half strike sealed a gritty 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, crushing the hosts’ hopes of a historic top-five finish.
The win at the City Ground capped off a late-season surge by Enzo Maresca’s men, who won five of their last six league matches to clinch fourth place in the Premier League, four points ahead of seventh-placed Forest. Chelsea will now return to Europe’s premier competition for the first time in two years, while Forest settle for a UEFA Conference League spot — a bittersweet reward for their best league finish since 1994-95.
Despite the Blues' success, Maresca’s first season in charge has been dogged by criticism over his cautious tactical style. But Sunday’s result, followed by the looming UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis, could silence doubters and salvage silverware in what has been a turbulent debut campaign.
The match was played against an emotionally charged backdrop, with Forest fans rallying behind the team and injured striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who made a surprise appearance after recovering from a life-threatening injury that left him in an induced coma. But inspiration alone wasn’t enough to overcome a youthful but determined Chelsea side.
Forest, once flying high in third, faltered in the season’s final stretch, failing to win any of their last four home games — a collapse that ultimately cost them a Champions League debut since the 1980-81 season.
The clash began as a cagey affair with chances few and far between. Pedro Neto squandered Chelsea’s best opportunity in the first half, while Forest’s Chris Wood volleyed over from close range just before the break.
But Chelsea struck gold in the 50th minute. Neco Williams’ weak header was intercepted by Neto, who fired in a low cross for Colwill to tap home at the back post — a moment that deflated the Forest faithful and ignited wild celebrations from the visitors.
Colwill’s goal — his second of the season — proved decisive, as Chelsea’s youthful side, boasting the youngest average starting XI in the league this season, held their nerve under pressure and capitalized on Newcastle’s stumble elsewhere to lock in their Champions League berth.
Now with a ticket back to Europe’s elite secured, Maresca’s Blues have a shot at ending the season with a trophy when they face Real Betis in midweek — a potential crowning moment that could turn a season of doubt into a statement of intent.
