Famous night for Forest in season to largely forget
Separated from the Premier League's relegation zone only on goal difference and on their fourth manager of the season, things have been fairly bleak at the City Ground. But in a packed away end at the MCH Arena in the small town of Herning, Denmark, Forest's travelling fans were given something to cheer about. Vitor Pereira's side booked their place in a first European quarter-final since 1996, stunning Danish side Midtjylland to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit and triumph on penalties to reach the Europa League last eight.
This was a rare moment of celebration in what has otherwise been a torrid season. Former Forest defender Luke Chambers summed it up when he said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Everything that could have gone wrong this season has gone wrong. " Victory in Denmark comes just five months after fans booed their side off against the same opponent in Nottingham, having watched them succumb to a 3-2 defeat under Ange Postecoglou.
But this triumph could mark the beginning of an upturn in form and fortune for Forest as the Europa League offers a glimmer of hope in a season to forget. It was clear from Pereira's team selection on Thursday where the club's priorities are. Few could say they were surprised by the nine changes after the Portuguese had hinted in his pre-match comments that surviving in the Premier League took precedence.
"It's crucial for the club to keep the position in the Premier League," he said. "Today is a chance for a lot of players that are working hard to have a chance. " It seemed that if that meant sacrificing the Europa League, so be it.
But the so-called second team stepped up, with first-team players being added to the mix only when legs started to tire. James McAtee was a constant threat while midfielder Nicolas Dominguez showed real attacking prowess - his opener was the first goal Forest have scored in 235 minutes across all competitions. Captain Ryan Yates' strike - his 24th Forest goal in all competitions on his 267th appearance - was sublime while the experience of Champions League winner Stefan Ortega was a calming presence in goal.