Chelsea booked their place in the Champions League as Levi Colwill sealed a 1-0 win that ended Nottingham Forest’s hopes of finishing in the top five on Sunday at the City Ground.
Colwill scored early in the second half to give Chelsea the crucial victory they needed to secure a spot in Europe’s most prestigious club competition after a two-year absence.
With this win, Chelsea finished fourth in the Premier League, four points clear of seventh-placed Forest. Nottingham Forest, despite a strong season, will compete in the UEFA Conference League, missing out on Champions League football for the first time since the 1980-81 season.
Chelsea’s recent form played a key role in their success, winning five of their last six league matches. This was achieved despite some fans expressing frustration over manager Enzo Maresca’s cautious tactics.
However, with Champions League qualification now confirmed, Chelsea can turn their attention to winning their first trophy since the 2022 Club World Cup. They are set to face Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday, a chance to silence critics and add silverware to their trophy cabinet.
Maresca’s debut season has been challenging, but leading Chelsea back into the Champions League and competing for a trophy would be a strong response to those who doubted him.
Chelsea’s away record was less impressive earlier in the season, with only seven wins in 18 games, compared to 12 wins in 19 matches at Stamford Bridge. Still, the team rose to the occasion in this crucial away match after Maresca urged his players to handle the pressure.
For Nottingham Forest, the defeat was a harsh blow after they had held third place for several weeks. Their failure to win any of their last four home games ultimately cost them a chance at Champions League qualification. Although missing out, Forest’s final position represents their highest league finish since the 1994-95 season—a notable achievement for a club that narrowly escaped relegation last season.
