![\"Arnaud](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_FC-Utrecht-v-Nottingham-Forest-FC-UEFA-Europa-League-202526-League-Phase-MD6.jpg\")
Arnaud Kalimuendo was on the scoresheet as Nottingham Forest claimed a big win in the Netherlands(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)<\/p>\nLatest Nottingham Forest verdict as Sean Dyche’s Reds beat Utrecht 2-1 in Europa League clash<\/p>\n
19:46, 11 Dec 2025Updated 19:52, 11 Dec 2025<\/p>\n
Arnaud Kalimuendo was on the scoresheet as Nottingham Forest claimed a big win in the Netherlands(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Nottingham Forest claimed a big victory in the Europa League as Igor Jesus\u2019 late goal clinched a 2-1 win over Utrecht.<\/p>\n
Looking to maintain their unbeaten streak in Europe under Sean Dyche, the Reds made an encouraging start in the Netherlands. They knew victory would boost their hopes of finishing in the top eight of the table and progressing straight through to the knockout stage of the tournament.<\/p>\n
Callum Hudson-Odoi had a couple of sights of goal early on, before Oleksandr Zinchenko dragged an effort wide from close range after a lovely bit of build-up play. Morato then had a header cleared off the line just before the quarter-hour mark.<\/p>\n
Douglas Luiz had an effort saved with 20 minutes gone as the chances continued to rack up for the visitors. Utrecht had seen little of the ball by that point, but they fired a warning shot Forest\u2019s way when Miguel Rodriguez stung the palms of John Victor with a fierce strike from range.<\/p>\n
It marked the start of a positive period for the hosts, with Rodriguez at the heart of it. The Utrecht man tried his luck a couple more times before a goalless first half was out.<\/p>\n
Having been unable to make the most of their opportunities before the break, the visitors soon put that right after the restart. Arnaud Kalimuendo broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute when he pounced on a poor clearance from Siebe Horemans, having put the pressure on the hosts in the first place.<\/p>\n
The front man hit the post soon after as he looked to increase the Reds\u2019 lead. Forest were left to rue that one not going in as Mike van der Hoorn got on the end of a free-kick to equalise in the 72nd minute.<\/p>\n
Just when it looked as though Dyche\u2019s men might have to settle for a point, Jesus popped up with a winner in the dying minutes. Here\u2019s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the Stadion Galgenwaard.<\/p>\n
John Victor: Probably ought to have done better with Utrecht\u2019s equaliser, and Dyche certainly will not be happy with the way Forest conceded. Did make some decent saves, though. Rating: 6\/10<\/p>\n
Zach Abbott: Good experience for the academy graduate; he has been giving a fine account of himself when he has had chances of late. Some nervy moments, but generally did well. Rating: 6.5\/10<\/p>\n
Morato: Had a bit of a nervy start but did settle down and almost scored in the first half. Faces a fight for minutes now Murillo is back, though, and seems likely he will be back on the bench at the weekend. Rating: 6.5\/10<\/p>\n
Murillo: Instantly brings stability to the Reds\u2019 back line when he plays. He has been missed of late and Dyche will be glad to have him back. Made sense to bring him off when Forest did, but they conceded soon after. Rating: 7\/10<\/p>\n
Oleksandr Zinchenko: First minutes since October for the Arsenal loanee and he did look a bit rusty at times. Spurned a good opportunity in the first half to give the Reds the lead. Rating: 6\/10<\/p>\n
Douglas Luiz: A huge boost to have the midfielder available again, and he was thrust straight back into the XI. His quality makes a difference for the Reds – and he showed it in this one – but now it is about whether he can stay fit. Rating: 7\/10<\/p>\n
Nicolas Dominguez: Captain for the evening and led by example. Put in a lot of work and did try his luck at goal. Always more comfortable when played in his more natural position. Rating: 7.5\/10<\/p>\n
Dan Ndoye: Desperately needs something to get him going or a boost of confidence from somewhere. It\u2019s really not happening for the winger at the minute; offered little for the Reds in the Netherlands. Rating: 5\/10<\/p>\n
James McAtee: Another big opportunity for the summer signing, but he didn\u2019t exactly grasp it with both hands. Had a few promising moments but struggled to make a significant impact and was hooked at the break. Rating: 5\/10<\/p>\n
Callum Hudson-Odoi: Had a few efforts at goal in the early stages, but wasn\u2019t the only one who didn\u2019t bring his shooting boots. Had a hand in what proved to be the winner, though, by playing in a cross. Rating: 7\/10<\/p>\n
Arnaud Kalimuendo: Had barely touched the ball or had any service prior to scoring the opener, but he did brilliantly with that one. Could have had a brace; fortunately, Forest were not left to rue his effort that hit the post. Rating: 7\/10<\/p>\n
Subs<\/strong><\/p>\n Ibrahim Sangare (for McAtee, 46mins): Quickly got stuck in when he came on and played his part in getting the result. Forest will miss him when he heads off to AFCON. Rating: 6\/10<\/p>\n Elliot Anderson (for Luiz, 46mins): Not necessarily the midfielder\u2019s most impactful half of football. Most important thing was the result, though, and the Reds got there eventually. Rating: 6\/10<\/p>\n Nikola Milenkovic (for Murillo, 70mins): Did his best to gee his teammates up after the equaliser. Will be back in the starting XI at the weekend, for sure. Rating: 6\/10<\/p>\n Morgan Gibbs-White (for Dominguez, 78mins): Had a hand in the build-up to Jesus\u2019 goal. Didn\u2019t get long on the pitch but made it count with that moment. Rating: 7\/10<\/p>\n Igor Jesus (for Kalimuendo, 87mins): Great impact from off the bench. Seven goals for the Brazilian now, and that was an important one. Rating: 7.5\/10<\/p>\n