Nottingham Forest secures Champions League hopes with win over Ipswich

Nottingham Forest delivered a significant performance in the battle for Champions League qualification during their recent match against Ipswich in the United Kingdom. On March 15, 2025, Nottingham Forest achieved a comfortable 4-2 victory over Ipswich, with Anthony Elanga netting two goals, bringing his season total to five. The win allowed Forest to stretch their lead over Manchester City to six points, intensifying their push for a top-four finish this season in the Premier League. The match saw Forest take command early, netting three goals in quick succession during the first half. Nikola Milenkovic initiated the scoring in the 35th minute, capitalizing on lapses in Ipswich's defense. Shortly after, Elanga scored two quick goals in the 38th and 41st minutes, each stemming from poor defending by Ipswich, which highlighted their ongoing struggles this season. Despite Ipswich's attempts to rally in the second half, including a late consolation goal from Jens Cajuste, they remained firmly positioned at the bottom of the league table, now significantly at risk of relegation. Meanwhile, the win for Nottingham Forest further solidified their unexpected rise toward Champions League contention, moving them just one point behind second-place Arsenal. Forest's manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, emphasized the importance of focusing on their performance and not getting overly fixated on the table, as there is still much football left to be played. He has effectively guided the team away from relegation danger since his mid-season appointment, and this victory continues to bolster their quest for a spot in next year's Champions League.