With just 16 matches left to play in the Premier League season, Nottingham Forest remain hopeful of bringing European nights back to the City Ground for the first time in 13 years.
The Reds sit third in the table, six points ahead of fourth-place Manchester City and fifth-place Newcastle United.
Forest show no sign of letting up with eight wins in their last nine games and a well-fought draw at home to league leaders Liverpool.
Coming into the 24/25 season off the back of finishing just one place above the relegation zone, Champions League football was a mere fantasy for Forest fans.
But strong summer recruitment and Nuno Espirito-Santo’s first full season in charge have seen them become one of the most prolific teams in the league.
New Zealand striker Chris Wood has already equalled his last season’s tally of 14 goals and looks set for his best ever Premier League return.
His partnership with wingers Antony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi makes Forest a frightening force on the counter attack.
The front three’s connection is further complimented by the creativity and finesse of midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White who sits on eight goal contributions from just eighteen games in the Premier League.
But it is not just Forest’s attack that has been revolutionised this season; their strong backline has conceded just 22 goals.
That tally is the third lowest in the league, behind top two Liverpool and Arsenal. The centre-back partnership of Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic has been integral to Forest’s success, with the pair having a perfect balance between their skill sets.
Left-footed centre-back Murillo came in from Brazilian top-flight side Corinthians and has earned himself a new four-year deal, contracting him to Forest until June 2029.
Goalkeeper Mat Sels has been a revelation between the sticks having nine clean sheets in 21 games.
Speaking on his goalkeeper’s contribution this season, Espirito-Santo said: “Matz is in a good moment and his confidence [is great]. He has been able to, game after game, keep us in them with his saves. We are delighted and hope he continues.”
Nottingham Forest’s history in Europe’s biggest competition is a rich and successful one. The club’s first taste of European glory came in 1979, when they lifted the European Cup in their debut season in the competition by defeating Malmo in the final.
Forest went on to defend their title successfully the following year, overcoming Hamburg to secure back-to-back European glory.
That feat has been repeated just twice since and never by another English club. The Reds’ serial success came under the guidance of legendary manager Brian Clough, who is still admired in the city, where he has his own statue.
The January transfer window will play a pivotal role in how the remainder of the season plays out, with the Forest board seeming set to back Nuno and bring in reinforcements to his high-flying squad.
With a few more capable additions and the relentless support of the fans, the future at the City Ground seems bright.
