Key Takeaways
- Nottingham Forest advanced after a penalty shootout against Midtjylland, winning 3-0 on penalties after an aggregate score of 2-2.
- Domínguez and Yates scored for Forest, while Erlić leveled the aggregate for Midtjylland; the match required extra time and penalties.
- Celta Vigo and Freiburg also advanced, defeating Olympique Lyonnais and Genk, respectively, to secure their quarter-final spots.
- Other teams advancing include Porto, Aston Villa, Bologna, Braga, and Real Betis, with future matchups determined.
- Nottingham Forest will face Porto in the quarter-finals, while Freiburg will meet Celta Vigo in April.
Nottingham Forest advanced after the Nottingham Forest Midtjylland penalties shootout decided the tie. The English club overturned a first-leg deficit. They won 2-1 in the second leg. The aggregate score finished 2-2 after extra time. The match took place in Denmark. Progress was secured through penalties.
Forest entered the game trailing 1-0 from the first leg. They needed at least one goal to stay in contention. The team showed attacking intent early in the match. Nicolás Domínguez opened the scoring. Ryan Yates added a second goal before halftime. These goals shifted the aggregate balance.
Midtjylland responded during the second half. Martin Erlić scored to reduce the deficit. His goal leveled the aggregate score. Both teams created chances afterward. Neither side found a winning goal in regular time.
Match turns tight before Nottingham Forest Midtjylland penalties
Extra time followed with no decisive breakthrough. Defensive organization increased from both teams. Attacks became more cautious. The match remained tied after 120 minutes. A penalty shootout was required.
Forest showed efficiency in the shootout. Morgan Gibbs-White scored the first penalty. Ibrahim Sangaré converted the second attempt. Neco Williams added the third. All Forest players were successful.
Midtjylland failed in their attempts. None of their penalties resulted in goals. The shootout ended 3-0 in favor of Forest. The result confirmed qualification.
Celta Vigo and Freiburg also reach quarter-finals
Celta Vigo progressed to the next round. They defeated Olympique Lyonnais on aggregate. The Spanish side secured a 2-0 away win in the second leg. Their total score across both matches was 3-1.
Freiburg advanced with a strong performance. They defeated Genk convincingly. The German team won 5-1 in the second leg. Their aggregate result reached 5-2.
Other clubs also confirmed their places. Porto, Aston Villa, Bologna, Braga, and Real Betis moved forward. Quarter-final matchups are already determined. Nottingham Forest will face Porto. Freiburg will meet Celta Vigo. Matches are scheduled for April.