Nottingham Forest 0 - 1 Leeds United

Leeds United kicked off their Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Nottingham Forest on August 22, 2026. The match was held at the iconic City Ground, where anticipation was high for the home side's performance.

The game was characterized by a tense atmosphere and a few early yellow cards, setting the tone for a physical encounter. Ola Aina of Leeds earned the first card in the 18th minute, followed by Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Nottingham Forest shortly after in the 32nd minute. These early cautions hinted at the competitive nature of the match.

Both teams struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, with chances at a premium. Despite some promising moments, neither side could break the deadlock before the halftime whistle.

As the second half unfolded, the intensity increased. Jair Cunha of Nottingham Forest received a yellow card in the 52nd minute, underscoring the match's physicality. Leeds made their first substitution in the 62nd minute, bringing on Chris Wood, who added fresh legs to their attacking line.

The pivotal moment came late in the game. In the 88th minute, Anton Stach stepped up to take a free-kick just outside the box. With precision and power, he curled the ball over the wall and into the back of the net, sending the Leeds supporters into raptures. This late strike proved to be the match-winner, clinching all three points for Leeds.

Nottingham Forest pressed for an equalizer but struggled to create clear-cut chances in the dying moments. The final whistle blew, sealing a narrow yet significant victory for Leeds United on the opening day of the season. It was a match that highlighted their resilience and ability to capitalize on set pieces, setting a promising tone for the campaign ahead.