Nottingham Forest secured a 1-1 draw away at Porto in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday. William Gomes gave the hosts an early lead, but Martim Fernandes' own goal leveled the score minutes later. The result leaves the tie poised ahead of the second leg at the City Ground.
Porto dominated early at the Estadio do Dragao, with Stefan Ortega making key saves to keep Nottingham Forest in the game. In the 11th minute, William Gomes tapped in Gabriel Veiga's cross to put the home side ahead. Just two minutes later, Porto right-back Martim Fernandes mishit a back-pass, sending the ball into his own net and drawing Forest level at 1-1. Forest manager Vitor Pereira, returning to his former club, called it 'a good result' after rotating his squad with an eye on Sunday's Premier League match against Aston Villa. '1-1 is a good result and playing at home we will see what we can do,' Pereira told TNT Sports. Captain Ryan Yates echoed the satisfaction, noting Porto's unbeaten home record in the Europa League this season. 'We'll take it. Back to the City Ground, everything to play for,' Yates said. He praised the travelling fans, calling the European journey 'magical' and 'special'. In the second half, Porto pressed with 16 shots, introducing veteran Pepe, but Ortega's saves held firm. Forest had a goal disallowed by VAR when Igor Jesus fouled goalkeeper Diogo Costa. The visitors defended stoutly late on, with Neco Williams nearly snatching a winner. The second leg promises drama as Forest balance their Premier League survival fight with European ambitions.
