Forest’s Europa League hopes dented as Braga win 1-0 | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest saw their Europa League last-16 hopes take a hit as they fell 1-0 to SC Braga in Portugal.

Ryan Yates scored an own goal in the 54th minute, less than a minute after Forest had a penalty saved, proving decisive in a match of contrasting halves.

Forest were awarded a spot-kick when Braga’s Gabri Martínez was judged to have clipped James McAtee. However, goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek kept the score level, tipping Gibbs-White’s effort onto the post before Yates’ misfortune put the hosts ahead.

The first half was cagey, with both sides cautious and few clear chances. Braga controlled possession at times but struggled to break Forest down, while the visitors looked to counter-attack, creating limited openings. Notable efforts included Gibbs-White forcing a save from Hornicek and Martínez heading wide from a promising position.

The second half saw the action intensify. Early on, Ricardo Horta missed a good chance, and shortly after the penalty miss, Yates inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net, giving Braga the lead. Forest pressed for an equaliser, with Ola Aina striking the woodwork and Pau Victor firing just wide, but the hosts held firm.

Late in the game, midfielder Elliot Anderson was sent off for dissent, leaving Forest further frustrated. 

With this result, Braga move closer to securing a place in the Europa League last 16, while Forest must win their final group game against Ferencvaros on January 29 to have any chance of automatic qualification. Regardless, they are guaranteed a spot in the two-legged play-offs.