Despite an impressive performance this season, Nottingham Forest failed to secure a spot in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League (UCL). Forest suffered a 1–0 defeat to Chelsea, who sealed their return to the UCL. Levi Colwill’s goal in the second half decided what was effectively a Premier League top-five decider at the City Ground.
The two-time European champions last featured in Europe’s premier club tournament during the 1980/81 season, but their bid to return to the Champions League for the first time since then ended in failure.Despite falling short of a Champions League spot, Forest’s impressive campaign, which saw them remain in the top five for several weeks, has earned them a place in European football next season.
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They are now guaranteed a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League.Enzo Maresca’s side, who are set to face Real Betis in the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday, returned to the top tier of European football after a two-season absence.Chelsea could cap off a historic season under Maresca, his first in charge, if they beat Real Betis.
They aim to become the first club to win all three major UEFA competitions. Manchester City and Newcastle United also joined Chelsea, along with Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, as Premier League representatives in next season’s UCL.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s 2–0 defeat to Manchester United, who currently sit 15th on the table with 42 points, cost them a Champions League place. Villa’s hopes were further dashed by goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez’s red card at Old Trafford.Aston Villa, who finished sixth place, and Crystal Palace FA Cup winners, will play in the Europa League next season.
