Key Highlights
- Murillo, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Douglas Luiz returned from injury as Sean Dyche made nine changes from Saturday’s 3-0 loss, and his re-jigged side made an impressive start to the first competitive meeting between the two teams. Callum Hudson-Odoi forced Utrecht goalkeeper Vasilios Barkas into a low save and Zinchenko wasted a golden chance in the 11th minute when he fired wide following Dan Ndoye’s neat flick inside the penalty area. Utrecht did not test Forest’s replacement goalkeeper John Victor - Matz Sels was sidelined due to a groin injury - until the 24th minute when Miguel Rodriguez’s long-range effort was saved in the top corner.
- That triggered a spell of pressure for Utrecht and although Victor was not troubled again before the break, it was a more even contest. Nottingham Forest’s Arnaud Kalimuendo (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s first goal against Utrecht.
- obin van Lonkhuijsen/ANP/AFP/Getty ImagesForest made another quick start in the second period as Kalimuendo broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute.
- The former Rennes striker wriggled clear of three defenders on the edge of the area and after a lucky rebound, buried an angled left-footed finish inside the far post. But Utrecht levelled with a rare chance of their own, and through questionable Forest defending, when the unmarked Van der Hoorn ghosted in at the far post to head home Souffian El Karouani’s free-kick in the 73rd minute. Unai Emery aims to craft ‘a new era’ at Aston Villa on special return to BaselRead moreThe home side’s confidence soared and a partisan home crowd sensed a winner, but it was Forest who had the last word.
- Ndoye’s thumping header from Hudson-Odoi’s left-wing cross was well saved by Barkas, but substitute Jesus turned home the rebound just a minute after replacing Kalimuendo.
