Nottingham Forest F.C. vs Leeds United is a historic English football fixture involving two clubs with long and often competitive histories. The two sides have met more than 100 times across league and cup competitions, producing plenty of memorable matches, dramatic goals and changing fortunes.
The rivalry has gained fresh attention in the 2026–27 Premier League season, with the clubs meeting at the City Ground on August 22, 2026. Leeds United won that encounter 1–0, with Anton Stach scoring a late free kick to spoil Oliver Glasner’s first Premier League match as Nottingham Forest manager.
But this fixture is about more than one result. Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United has a long history, and recent meetings have shown just how unpredictable this matchup can be.
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United: Quick Overview
| Category | Nottingham Forest | Leeds United |
|---|---|---|
| Competition | Premier League | Premier League |
| Stadium | City Ground | Elland Road |
| 2026–27 meeting | Lost 0–1 | Won 1–0 |
| 2025–26 league meeting at Forest | Won 3–1 | Lost 1–3 |
| 2025–26 meeting at Leeds | Lost 1–3 | Won 3–1 |
| All-time meetings* | 37 wins | 34 wins |
*Historical totals vary depending on which competitions and records are included. Sports Mole’s broader record lists 106 previous meetings, with Forest winning 37, Leeds 34 and 35 ending in draws.
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United: A Historic Rivalry
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United are two of the most recognizable clubs in English football.
Forest’s history is closely associated with their European success under Brian Clough, while Leeds became one of England’s major forces during the 1960s and 1970s.
Their meetings have taken place across different eras and divisions.
The clubs have faced each other in:
- The Premier League
- The old First Division
- The Championship
- Other domestic competitions
The historical head-to-head record is remarkably close. One database covering the clubs’ competitive meetings lists 20 Forest wins, 20 draws and 24 Leeds wins within its available coverage, while broader records including additional meetings put Forest narrowly ahead.
That closeness is one reason this fixture continues to attract attention.
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United: The Latest Premier League Meeting
The most recent meeting took place on August 22, 2026, at the City Ground.
It was an important match for both clubs because it was the opening weekend of the new Premier League campaign.
Forest were beginning a new era under Oliver Glasner, while Leeds entered the season hoping to build on their previous campaign under Daniel Farke.
The match remained goalless for most of the afternoon.
Then came the decisive moment.
Anton Stach Gives Leeds a Late Victory
With only a few minutes remaining, Leeds won a free kick.
Anton Stach stepped up and produced the decisive moment, scoring directly from the set piece in the 88th minute.
The goal gave Leeds a 1–0 victory and silenced the home crowd at the City Ground.
It was particularly significant because Stach had already developed a reputation for scoring directly from free kicks after producing three such goals during the previous season.
For Leeds, it was a dream start.
For Forest and Glasner, it was a frustrating beginning.
Oliver Glasner’s Nottingham Forest Debut
The defeat was particularly disappointing because the match represented Oliver Glasner’s first Premier League game as Nottingham Forest manager.
Glasner had arrived with a strong reputation after his successful work at Crystal Palace.
But his first league match at Forest immediately demonstrated that rebuilding a team takes time.
Forest struggled to create enough attacking danger against Leeds, and Glasner admitted afterward that he could not simply transform the side overnight.
He compared the unrealistic expectation of instant improvement to expecting Forest to suddenly play like Real Madrid.
The defeat therefore raised an important question:
How quickly can Glasner turn Forest into the team he wants?
Why Leeds United Deserved the Win
Although the final score was only 1–0, Leeds produced the more convincing performance for significant periods.
Daniel Farke’s team showed good control and energy.
Leeds also had a goal ruled out for offside, meaning the visitors could have won by a larger margin.
Their defensive organization was equally important.
New goalkeeper James Trafford kept a clean sheet on his debut, helping Leeds withstand Forest’s attempts to find an equalizer.
The result therefore was not simply a case of Leeds getting lucky with one late free kick.
They had already produced a competitive performance before Stach’s decisive strike.
Forest vs Leeds: Recent Results
The recent Premier League record shows how quickly momentum can change between these clubs.
August 22, 2026
Nottingham Forest 0–1 Leeds United
Anton Stach scored in the 88th minute.
February 6, 2026
Leeds United 3–1 Nottingham Forest
Leeds won comfortably at Elland Road.
November 9, 2025
Nottingham Forest 3–1 Leeds United
Forest responded with a convincing home victory.
April 4, 2023
Leeds United 2–1 Nottingham Forest
Leeds won the Premier League meeting at Elland Road.
February 5, 2023
Nottingham Forest 1–0 Leeds United
Forest claimed victory at the City Ground.
The pattern is clear: home advantage has mattered, but neither team has been able to dominate this fixture consistently.
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United Head-to-Head
The broader historical record illustrates just how close the rivalry has been.
According to Sports Mole’s record of 106 meetings:
- Nottingham Forest wins: 37
- Draws: 35
- Leeds United wins: 34
That means Forest hold only a narrow historical advantage.
Another statistical database has slightly different totals because of differences in its historical coverage, but it also shows a closely contested matchup.
This is an important point when looking at the fixture.
There is rarely a huge historical gap between the two clubs.
Why the City Ground Matters
Nottingham Forest’s home ground, the City Ground, has traditionally been an intimidating venue for visiting teams.
The stadium sits close to the River Trent and is famous for its atmosphere.
That makes Forest particularly dangerous when they can get the home crowd behind them.
However, Leeds’ recent victory was significant because it ended a long wait for a league victory at the City Ground.
The 2026 win was Leeds’ first league victory at Forest’s ground since 1972, according to reporting from The Times.
That gives the result additional historical significance.
Leeds United’s New-Look Squad
Leeds entered the 2026–27 campaign with several new faces.
The club added players including:
- James Trafford
- Harry Wilson
- Tarik Muharemovic
Trafford immediately demonstrated his value by keeping a clean sheet against Forest.
Harry Wilson also made an impression during the match, although a goal was ruled out for offside.
Leeds therefore have reasons to believe their squad can improve on the previous season.
Nottingham Forest’s Transfer Plans
Forest also entered the season looking to strengthen.
The club had signed Ousmane Diomande, Xaver Schlager and Steven Benda during the summer.
Forest were also pursuing Chelsea striker Liam Delap as they looked for additional attacking options.
The need for attacking reinforcements became especially obvious against Leeds.
Forest created opportunities but lacked the cutting edge needed to turn possession and territory into goals.
Morgan Gibbs-White: A Key Player for Forest
One of Nottingham Forest’s most important players remains Morgan Gibbs-White.
He was Forest’s leading league scorer during the 2025–26 season, with 15 goals according to pre-season team information.
His creativity and ability to operate between midfield and attack make him an important part of Forest’s attacking structure.
However, Gibbs-White missed Forest’s Carabao Cup meeting with Leeds because of a knee problem, with the club hoping he would be available for the following league fixture against Liverpool.
His availability could be crucial as Glasner develops his team.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Importance to Leeds
Leeds also have an experienced attacking option in Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
He was Leeds’ leading league scorer during the 2025–26 season with 14 goals.
If Calvert-Lewin can maintain his scoring form, Leeds will have a reliable focal point in attack.
That could be particularly important in matches like Forest vs Leeds, where one goal can decide the entire contest.
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds: Tactical Battle
The 2026 meeting featured an interesting tactical similarity.
Both Glasner and Farke used a 3-4-3 formation.
That created an intriguing battle between two teams using similar structures but with different approaches.
The formation gives teams:
- Three central defenders
- Two wing-backs
- A midfield partnership
- Three attacking players
The wing-backs can become especially important because they provide width while also having defensive responsibilities.
In a closely matched game, winning those wide areas can determine who controls possession and creates chances.
Why Set Pieces Could Decide This Fixture
The latest meeting provided a perfect example of the importance of set pieces.
Leeds did not need a complicated attacking move to win.
They needed one free kick.
Stach’s strike in the 88th minute changed the entire match.
Farke has emphasized the importance of set pieces in modern football, and Stach’s ability to score directly from free kicks gives Leeds another weapon.
For Forest, defending dangerous free kicks will therefore be an important part of future meetings.
Forest vs Leeds: Which Team Has the Advantage?
It is difficult to identify a permanent favorite.
The recent results demonstrate why.
Forest have beaten Leeds convincingly at the City Ground.
Leeds have responded by winning at Elland Road.
And now Leeds have won again at the City Ground.
The teams are close enough in quality that:
form, injuries, tactics, home advantage and individual moments can all decide the result.
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United: What Makes the Fixture Interesting?
Several factors make this matchup worth watching.
1. Historic rivalry
The clubs have met more than 100 times.
2. Close head-to-head record
Neither side has established overwhelming dominance historically.
3. Passionate supporters
Both clubs have large and highly engaged fan bases.
4. Tactical battles
Different managers have brought different approaches to the fixture.
5. Individual match-winners
Players such as Gibbs-White, Calvert-Lewin and Stach can change a game.
6. Very small margins
The latest meeting was decided by a single late goal.
When Is the Next Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United Match?
The two clubs are scheduled to meet again during the 2026–27 Premier League season, with Leeds hosting Forest at Elland Road on April 10, 2027, according to the current fixture listing.
That match will provide Leeds with another opportunity to build on their recent success, while Forest will have the chance to respond.
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United: Frequently Asked Questions
When did Nottingham Forest last play Leeds United?
The latest meeting was on August 22, 2026, when Leeds United defeated Nottingham Forest 1–0 at the City Ground.
Who scored in Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United?
Anton Stach scored the only goal in the August 2026 Premier League match, finding the net from a direct free kick in the 88th minute.
Who has won more games between Nottingham Forest and Leeds?
The historical record is extremely close. One broad record covering 106 meetings gives Forest 37 wins, Leeds 34 and 35 draws.
When did Leeds last win at Nottingham Forest?
Leeds’ 1–0 Premier League victory on August 22, 2026 was their first league win at the City Ground since 1972.
Who is Nottingham Forest’s manager?
Oliver Glasner is Nottingham Forest’s head coach. His first Premier League match in charge was the 1–0 home defeat to Leeds.
Who manages Leeds United?
Daniel Farke is Leeds United’s head coach. He has been in charge during the club’s recent return to the Premier League and celebrated three years in the role around the time of the 2026 Forest fixture.
Final Thoughts
Nottingham Forest F.C. vs Leeds United is a fixture built on history, competitive balance and plenty of drama.
The latest chapter went Leeds’ way.
Anton Stach’s late free kick gave Leeds a 1–0 victory at the City Ground, handed Oliver Glasner a defeat in his first Premier League match as Forest manager and gave Daniel Farke’s side an important early-season boost. (The Guardian)
But the result does not mean the rivalry has suddenly become one-sided.
Recent meetings have gone both ways, with Forest beating Leeds 3–1 in November 2025 before Leeds won 3–1 at Elland Road in February 2026 and then returned to the City Ground to claim another victory.
With both clubs trying to establish themselves in the Premier League, the next chapters of Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United should provide plenty more competition.
One thing is certain: when these two teams meet, history suggests that the margin between victory and defeat can be very small.
