Nottingham Forest pulled off a dramatic 2-1 preseason victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, with Anthony Kalimuendo’s 90th-minute strike sealing a thrilling win at the City Ground. The Reds, who finished 16th in the Premier League last season with 44 points (11W-11D-16L), showcased their attacking potential in a hard-fought friendly.
How Did Forest Overcome Leverkusen?
The match was tightly contested from the start, with both sides trading chances in a high-tempo first half. Leverkusen, who dominated possession early, took the lead before Forest equalized, setting the stage for Kalimuendo’s late heroics. The French striker’s clinical finish in stoppage time sent the home crowd into raptures, capping off an impressive display from Steve Cooper’s side.
What Does This Mean for Forest’s Preseason?
This victory comes as Forest prepare for the new Premier League campaign, having narrowly avoided relegation last season. With a goal difference of -3 (48 scored, 51 conceded) and a final-day draw against Bournemouth (1-1 on 2026-05-24), the Reds will be looking to build momentum ahead of their opener. Their recent form (0W-3D-2L in the last five) suggests room for improvement, but this win could be a confidence booster.
What’s Next for Cooper’s Side?
Forest will now focus on fine-tuning their squad before the Premier League kicks off. With key players returning from injury and potential new signings on the horizon, Cooper will be aiming to address defensive vulnerabilities while maintaining their attacking threat. The friendly win over Leverkusen, a team known for their technical prowess, will have given the manager valuable insights into his squad’s readiness.
