Levi Colwill was the hero as Chelsea secured their Champions League qualification with a tense, narrow victory over Nottingham Forest. The defender’s second-half strike not only guaranteed fourth place in the Premier League for Enzo Maresca’s side but also dashed Forest’s hopes of a return to Europe’s elite competition.
Maresca, whose transfer plans hinged on whether the club would qualify for the Champions League, can now begin preparing for a busy summer. This victory provided a timely boost ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming Conference League final against Real Betis in Poland on Wednesday.
For Nottingham Forest, it was a bittersweet end to a rollercoaster season. Despite the defeat, they still secured a spot in next season’s Conference League—a remarkable achievement considering they were battling relegation on the final day just last season. However, missing out on the top five will feel like a missed opportunity for a team that spent much of the season in the top four.
Forest’s late-season form—just two wins from their last eight matches—saw them slip down the table. Ending the campaign winless in their last four home games, they were unable to rediscover their spark in a match that, while intriguing, fell short of the high drama many had anticipated.
Still, for a team that only returned to the top flight three years ago after a 23-year absence, seventh place and a European spot represent a significant step forward. Meanwhile, Chelsea fans can now look forward to another season of Champions League football, with Colwill’s crucial goal ensuring a fitting end to a challenging campaign.
