Nottingham Forest Benefit from Own Goal to Earn Hard-Fought Draw Against Porto

Martim Fernandes scored an unlucky own goal that helped Nottingham Forest move closer to their first European semi-final in over 40 years. The Porto defender ended up passing the ball into his own net from about 45 yards out, with goalkeeper Diogo Gomes caught out of position.

It gave Forest a lifeline in Portugal at a time when Porto were starting to take full control of the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final.

A win at the City Ground next Thursday, where they have already beaten Porto this season, will take Forest into their first European semi-final since 1984.

Aston Villa might be their next opponents in an all-English clash after their 3-1 win in Bologna put them in a strong position to go through.

Stefan Ortega had already made saves from Terem Moffi and Borja Sainz before Porto scored, with William Gomes finishing at the far post. He also stopped Moffi again just before half-time.

Igor Jesus thought he had scored after the break, but the goal was ruled out after he clashed with the goalkeeper. Ortega also came up big again, stopping William Gomes from scoring a second.

Forest manager Vitor Pereira, who once won two titles with Porto, returned to the Estadio do Dragao and came away with an important result despite making nine changes, including starting Chris Wood as he returned after six months out.

Forest are still fighting to stay in the Premier League, sitting just three points above the relegation zone, and Pereira will already have one eye on Sunday’s tough away game against Aston Villa.

All eyes are on the second leg of this clash, as fans expect Nottingham Forest to reach the UEFA Europa League semi-finals after a long time. It is expected to be a tough clash, as Porto will also come hard to claim its chances in the all-important semi-final.