Own goal hands Nottingham Forest crucial draw against Porto in Europa League
A fortunate own goal helped Forest draw 1-all with Porto before they meet for the second leg at the City Ground
Nottingham Forest’s Europa League hopes remain intact after an own goal helped them get out of their quarter-final first leg in Porto with a 1-1 draw.
A much-changed Forest side were under the pump against the Primeira Liga leaders and fell behind to William Gomes’ early strike.
But they were gifted a leveller by hapless Porto defender Martim Fernandes, who sent a 25-yard back-pass into his own net.
Forest had a goal disallowed in the second half, but were reliant on goalkeeper Stefan Ortega making a string of important saves to ensure they head back to the City Ground for next week’s second leg on level terms.
They were able to get the result while still being able to keep a number of their important Premier League players fresh ahead of Sunday’s vital clash with Aston Villa.
The Reds were handed a major squad boost with the return of striker Chris Wood for their Europa League quarter-final against Porto.
The forward is back in the squad for the first time since October after knee surgery, giving Forest added options in attack.
Forest fan and podcaster, Rich Ferrero, says Wood’s return is a big lift to see the Reds through the next leg.
"Wood is going to be really positive in terms of intent and feeling amongst fans and players."
Both sides meet for the second leg at the City Ground.