May 25, (THEWILL) – Chelsea claimed fourth place in the English Premier League table after defeating Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the City Ground on Sunday, booking their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Levi Colwill’s close-range finish early in the second half proved decisive in what was effectively a play-off match for European qualification, with both teams needing points to reach their respective targets.
The opening period failed to produce quality chances, with Chris Wood’s wayward header representing the only notable effort in the first 29 minutes.
Pedro Neto squandered Chelsea’s best opportunity before the break, firing over from close range after Cole Palmer’s precise delivery.
Forest responded through Wood again, who connected with Ola Aina’s cross but directed his effort wide of Robert Sánchez’s goal.
Chelsea emerged from the interval with renewed purpose and took the lead within minutes of the restart.
Poor defending from Forest allowed the visitors to recycle possession quickly, with Neto reaching a floated pass ahead of goalkeeper Matz Sels before squaring for Colwill to convert from the far post.
The defender’s goal transformed the complexion of the match and left Forest requiring two goals to maintain their UCL hopes.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s side responded with increased urgency but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities.
Anthony Elanga forced two saves from Sánchez, while Aina fired wide from distance.
Wood came closest to an equaliser in stoppage time but failed to connect properly when well-positioned, allowing Chelsea to maintain their advantage despite late pressure from the home side.
The result confirms Chelsea’s participation in the UCL for the 2025/2026 campaign under Enzo Maresca’s management.
Forest will compete in the Conference League after finishing seventh, while Chelsea can add to their continental commitments with the Conference League final against Real Betis in Poland on Wednesday.
The Blues’ top-four finish caps a campaign that has seen gradual improvement under their Italian head coach.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
