RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Nottingham Forest 0-1 Leeds United: Stach free-kick seals opening-day win at City Ground
Leeds United began their 2026/27 Premier League season with a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, as midfielder Anton Stach scored a superb free-kick two minutes from time.
Forest had twice hit the post and Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford made an important first-half save, while Harry Wilson also had a goal ruled out for offside on his Leeds Premier League debut. The game appeared to be heading for a goalless draw until Nikola Milenković fouled Anton Stach on the edge of the box, allowing the German to beat Matz Sels at his near post.
The victory gave Leeds their first top-flight win at the City Ground since the 1971/72 season and a perfect start to the new campaign.
As it happened
Forest created the first clear chance in the 17th minute. Ola Aina launched a long throw into the Leeds box and Igor Jesus found space to meet it, but James Trafford reacted well to push his header away.
Leeds thought they had taken the lead nine minutes later. Jayden Bogle drove forward on the right and sent a low ball across the six-yard box, where Harry Wilson converted from close range. The flag was raised, however, with the Wales international offside.
Forest went closest before the break. James McAtee recycled a corner back into the area and Nikola Milenković glanced his header towards the far post, only to see the ball come back off the upright with Trafford beaten.
Leeds started the second half with more purpose. Brenden Aaronson tested Matz Sels from distance before Anton Stach sent a free-kick narrowly wide, while Forest substitute Chris Wood later dragged a good opportunity off target against his former club.
Sels then produced an excellent save in the 70th minute, diving across goal to keep out Tarik Muharemović’s header. Forest struck the woodwork for a second time 11 minutes later when a free-kick bounced through a crowded penalty area and came back off the post.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 88th minute. Milenković was late on Stach just outside the penalty area, and the Leeds midfielder took the resulting free-kick himself, driving it towards the near post and beyond Sels to put the visitors ahead.
Forest had one final opportunity in stoppage time after Joe Rodon fouled Morgan Gibbs-White outside the box, but Gibbs-White sent the free-kick over the bar as Leeds saw out the win.
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