Nottingham Forest delivered a major blow to Manchester City's Champions League hopes with a dramatic 1-0 victory at The City Ground, thanks to Callum Hudson-Odoi’s late winner.
City, who have dominated English football with six titles in the last seven seasons, now find themselves in a battle just to finish in the top four. This latest setback, their ninth league defeat of the campaign, leaves them vulnerable, with Chelsea just one point behind and ready to overtake them if they avoid defeat against Leicester.
The game started with both teams looking cautious. City's best early chance came when Josko Gvardiol set up Phil Foden, only for Nicolas Dominguez to make a crucial block. Bernardo Silva then wasted a great opportunity, failing to pass to Erling Haaland, who was in a prime position.
Forest, inspired by their passionate home crowd, grew into the game. Nico Gonzalez hit the post in the first half, and after the break, Anthony Elanga set up Dominguez for a volley that forced a save from Ederson. As City pushed for a winner, Guardiola introduced Kevin De Bruyne and Mateo Kovacic, but Forest stood firm.
Hudson-Odoi finally broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute, cutting inside and drilling a powerful shot past Ederson, whose attempted save was weak. City tried to respond, but Kovacic missed a late chance to equalize.
With this win, Forest remain third, four points clear of City, and strengthened their Champions League ambitions. Their defensive solidity was key once again, securing their 12th clean sheet of the season. Meanwhile, City’s struggles continue, and they now face an uphill battle to secure a place in Europe’s elite competition next season.
