Nottingham Football Team: Overview

Nottingham Forest, founded in 1865, the club from the city of Nottingham is among the oldest in the world. But the main thing is not the date, but the fact that Forest won the European Champions Cup twice in a row, which many more famous teams failed to do.

He had a loud fame, difficult years and an unexpected comeback. And today Nottingham is among the best again.

\n
\"Legends don't die - they come back when you least expect them.\"
\n

\n","sporting_achievements_html":"

Nottingham history: how it began and what succeeded

It all started in the nineteenth century, when a group of men in Nottingham who were fond of hockey decided to create a football club. The name \"Forest\" was not taken by chance - the city is closely connected with the legends of Sherwood Forest and Robin Hood, so the symbolism was deeper than just a word.

In the 20th century the club gradually announced itself. But the real glory came at the end of the 70s, when the team was led by the charismatic and completely unconventional Brian Clough. Then everything happened very quickly:

In 1978 Forest won the First Division.
In 1979 — won the European Champions Cup.
In 1980 — did it again.

\n
\"At that moment it seemed that this club could turn football around.\"
\n

It was a team without superstars, but with incredible belief in their own abilities. Brian Clough created something completely new — not only tactics, but a psychological atmosphere where every player felt his importance.

After that, there was a decline. The club gradually slipped to the lower divisions, and later disappeared from the top football radar altogether. There were decades of silence, constant changes, instability.

But Forest didn't disappear. He was reborn, picked himself up piece by piece, until in 2022 he returned to the Premier League — after 23 years of absence. It wasn't just a comeback. It was an act of willpower.

\n","club_identity_html":"

Nottingham Stadium

City Ground is the home arena of Nottingham Forest, located right on the banks of the River Trent. If you haven't been there, you haven't experienced traditional English touch football. Opened in 1898, this arena now holds just over 30,000 fans.

This is not the most modern stadium. There is no shiny glass or fancy interiors. But there is something more important: closeness to the field, the real noise of the fans, the spirit of history in every stand.

\n
\"Locals call this place a shrine, because this is where the team created their legendary victories.\"
\n

The stadium was repeatedly renovated, but the main thing was left — the feeling of home. When you're at the City Ground, it doesn't matter who the opponent is. Here they always believe that Forest can fight anyone.

Nottingham achievements

The main titles of Forest are not just loud, but historic:

In 1978 the club won the England Championship.
And already in 1979 and 1980 he became a two-time winner of the European Champions Cup. It was a shock for football Europe: a modest team from Nottingham beat everyone.
Even earlier, in 1959, the club won the FA Cup.
In different periods, he won the League Cup, reached the semi-finals of the European Cups and repeatedly became the main surprise of the season.

\n
\"And while recent decades have been trophyless, Forest won the Championship play-off in 2022 and returned to the Premier League.\"
\n

Showing everyone: legends never die.

\n","current_status_and_future_html":"

Nottingham famous players

There are many players who have made a name for themselves in the Nottingham shirt:

John Robertson — he was the heart of that legendary Clough team, scored decisive goals in Euro finals.
\n
Peter Shilton is a world-class goalkeeper, one of the best in the history of England.
\n
In the 90s played Roy Keane — the future captain of Manchester United. It was in Forest that he passed the character school.
\n
Stuart Pearce is another icon, a player who left everything he had on the field.
\n

Today, the club does not have world-class stars, but grows its own. Taivo Avonia, Brennan Johnson, Morgan Gibbs-White — these players are already becoming the new faces of modern Forest.

Nottingham interesting facts**

Nottingham Forest is the only club to have won the European Champions Cup more times than the national championship. And this still remains a fact that surprises even experienced football fans.
\n
The club was also the first to use the red shirts - it was Nottingham Forest who handed over the red kit to Arsenal when it was just being created.
\n

\n
\"That's the football legacy.\"
\n

It is worth noting that Nottingham Forest is a unique example of how history and character can be stronger than any temporary difficulties. Will the club be able to repeat the legendary achievements of the Brian Clough era? One thing is certain - the spirit of the City Ground and the traditions of Sherwood Forest make Nottingham a special place where dreams of greatness never die and come back when you least expect them. This is a club that proves that true greatness is measured not only by the number of trophies, but also by spirit and the ability to come back from the ashes.

\n","logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/481_859ab0c01e.png","mime":"image/png","caption":null,"formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_avif_481_859ab0c01e.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_webp_481_859ab0c01e.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_avif_481_859ab0c01e.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_webp_481_859ab0c01e.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_avif_481_859ab0c01e.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_webp_481_859ab0c01e.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}}}},"league":{"id":589,"name":"UEFA Europa League","gender":"male","type":"club","format":"international_cup","createdAt":"2024-11-04T12:44:19.245Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-11T10:37:47.606Z","stb_id":"uefa-europa-league","position":null,"locale":"en","description":"## UEFA Europa League: what you should know\n\nIt is the **second most prestigious club football tournament in Europe** after the **Champions League**. It is organized by **UEFA** and involves clubs from various countries who have placed **highly in their national championships** but failed to qualify for the top tournament.\n\nThis league covers a **huge geography** — from **Spain to Azerbaijan**. And although it is sometimes considered the \"**younger sister**\" of the **Champions League**, in fact it has its own atmosphere, its own heroes and its own intrigues.\n\n> \"Every year, the Europa League gathers hundreds of millions of viewers, and the winner not only gets the trophy, but also a guaranteed place in the next Champions League.\"\n\n## History of the UEFA Europa League\n\nIt all started in **1971**, when the tournament was officially named the **UEFA Cup**. But in fact, its roots are even deeper - back in the **1950s** there was a so-called **Fairs Cup** in which teams from major European cities played.\n\n**Over time, the format changed**, and in **2009** the tournament was updated — this is how the **Europe League in its modern form** appeared. It became more attractive: they added a **group stage**, updated the brand and increased the prizes.\n\nIn different years, this tournament was won by **big clubs**. **\"Sevilla\"** from Spain, for example, has a record — it won the **Europa League seven times**, and this is **the absolute maximum**.\n\n> \"Also, such teams as \"Inter\", \"Juventus\", \"Chelsea\", \"Atletico\", \"Porto\", \"Manchester United\" have left their mark in the history of the tournament.\n\n**This indicates** that the struggle here is no less serious than in the **Champions League**.\n\n## Format of UEFA Europa League competitions\n\n**Europa League** consists of several stages. First, there are **qualifying rounds** where clubs from smaller football countries compete. Then a **group stage** is formed, in which **32 teams** play.\n\n**In the group** there are **four teams**, each of which plays **six matches** (at home and away). The **first two teams** from each group advance to the **playoffs**. The teams that took **third places in the Champions League groups** are added to them.\n\n**Then the elimination starts:** **1/16, 1/8, 1/4, semi-final, final**. All rounds except the final are played **home and away**. **Final** is **one match at a neutral stadium**.\n\n> \"The points in the groups are calculated as follows: 3 for a win, 1 for a draw. In case of the same number of points, head-to-head meetings and goal difference are considered.\"\n\n## Famous teams of the Europa League\n\nAlthough the **Europa League** is often perceived as the second most important tournament after the **Champions League**, there are also enough **top clubs** that have won the title more than once.\n\n### The main king of the Europa League — \"Seville\"\n\nThere is no team that would feel more comfortable here than **\"Sevilla\"**. The Spaniards took this trophy **seven times** and each time proved that this tournament is **their territory**. They won in different lineups, with different coaches, but always found a way to reach the finals and win.\n\n### Clubs with a big name\n\nIn different years, the **Europa League** was won by teams that are well known even to those who do not follow football very much:\n\n* **\"Inter\" and \"Juventus\"** are Italian giants with a rich European history.\n* **Chelsea and Manchester United** are English clubs that approach the tournament seriously if there is a chance to win it.\n* **\"Atletico Madrid\"** is another club that won the **Europa League** several times and then moved to a higher level.\n\n### Teams that surprised\n\nSometimes the **Europa League** brings surprises. For example, in **2011**, the champion was **\"Porto\"**, which played brightly, quickly and efficiently. And in **2022** won by **\"Eintracht Frankfurt\"** - a club that was not considered a favorite, but it beat all stronger opponents.\n\n> \"This tournament is a great opportunity for clubs to prove that they are worthy of the biggest European recognition.\"\n\n## Europa League statistics and records\n\n**Europa League** has accumulated a lot of interesting records. Some of them seem to be around for a long time.\n\n### Team records\n* **The most titles** – **\"Seville\" (7 times)**.\n* **The most finals** is also **\"Sevilla\"**, because they almost always win in the finals.\n* **The most productive final** – **5:4** (the match **\"Alavés\" – \"Liverpool\"** in **2001**).\n\n### Individual records\n* **Most goals in the tournament** - **Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Radomel Falcao** who made the difference in their respective seasons.\n* **The player who has won the most titles** – **Jesus Navas (4 times with Sevilla)**.\n\n### Records for the number of matches\n\nSome players spend dozens of matches in the **Europa League** because their teams play consistently in this tournament. Among the leaders are **Daniel Carisso and Adil Rami**, who have accumulated an impressive number of games.\n\n> \"These records show once again that the Europa League is not just a secondary tournament, but a separate world with its own history.\"\n\n## The current state of the Europa League\n\nToday, the **Europa League** is an **important part of European football**. This is a tournament that gives a chance to those who have not made it to the **Champions League** but still want **European glory**.\n\n### Favorites of the season\n\nEach year has its own leaders. In the **2024/25** season, among the main contenders for the trophy are **\"Liverpool\", \"Roma\", \"Bayer\", \"Ajax\". All these clubs have experience in European tournaments and know how to play in decisive matches.\n\n## How the Europa League has changed\n\nIn recent years, the tournament has become even more interesting:\n* **Changed the format**, made it more balanced.\n* **Added the Conference League**, which slightly reduced the number of weaker teams in the **Europa League**.\n* **The prizes have increased** and now even the financial motivation for the clubs has become significant.\n\n### Impact on European football\n\nPreviously, the **Europa League** was a tournament that many teams did not take seriously. But now the situation has changed — **the winner gets a place in the Champions League**, so the clubs are fighting with all their might.\n\n> \"Now this is not just the second European cup tournament, but a real chance for teams to take a step forward in their history.\"\n\n## Interesting stories and facts from the Europa League\n\nThe **Europa League** is often referred to as the \"second tournament\", but in fact, so many bright things happen here that many people start their acquaintance with European football from it.\n\n> \"Those who are not afraid to work until the last minute win here, and this is where unexpected heroes are born.\"\n\n**One of the most recognizable teams** in this league is undoubtedly **Sevilla**. The fans are joking: if the Spaniards reached the final, get ready, the trophy will go to them again. And so it usually happens. Behind the shoulders of **\"Sevilla\"** — **seven victories, and no lost finals**.\n\n**But the craziest final** happened in **2001**. Then **Liverpool and Alaves** staged a real battle — **nine goals, extra time, and a winning own goal**. This is not a writer's fiction - this is a real match, which is still remembered as one of the most emotional in history.\n\n**It is interesting that among the winners** of the **Europa League** there is also a team that is not quite \"European\" in the geographical sense. **Galatasaray** from **Turkey** became **the first club from a partially Asian country** to win this trophy. It happened in **2000**.\n\n> \"And while winning is the main goal, there is another very important incentive: the winner of the Europa League automatically enters the Champions League.\"\n\n**One more fact** — **penalty**. The finals of this tournament more than once reached a series of **11-meter kicks**. In **2021**, for example, **\"Villarreal\" and \"Manchester United\"** took turns taking penalties until the score was **11:10**. **Goalkeeper scored and then another goalkeeper didn't score**. It was spectacular and completely unpredictable.\n\n**Sometimes** there are endings that few people talk about not because of the game, but because of the location. Yes, in **2019** the match between **Chelsea and Arsenal** was held in **Baku**. Due to the remoteness and high flight prices, many fans stayed at home.\n\n> \"The atmosphere was unusually \"quiet\", and even the players themselves admitted that this is not the way to conduct the finals.\"\n\n**It is worth noting** that the **UEFA Europa League** continues to evolve, remaining an **important platform for European clubs**. This is a tournament where **dreams come true** and unexpected heroes write their names in the **history of European football**. Will anyone be able to break **Seville's dominance**? Time will tell, but one thing is certain — **drama and passion** remain the main attributes of this great tournament.\n","active":true,"short_code":"UEFA EL","category":1,"top_position":null,"stb_internal_id":"0192f734-639b-758d-883a-142a314056bb","overrides":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":true,"inactive":null,"description_html":"

UEFA Europa League: what you should know

It is the second most prestigious club football tournament in Europe after the Champions League. It is organized by UEFA and involves clubs from various countries who have placed highly in their national championships but failed to qualify for the top tournament.

This league covers a huge geography — from Spain to Azerbaijan. And although it is sometimes considered the \"younger sister\" of the Champions League, in fact it has its own atmosphere, its own heroes and its own intrigues.

\n
\"Every year, the Europa League gathers hundreds of millions of viewers, and the winner not only gets the trophy, but also a guaranteed place in the next Champions League.\"
\n

History of the UEFA Europa League

It all started in 1971, when the tournament was officially named the UEFA Cup. But in fact, its roots are even deeper - back in the 1950s there was a so-called Fairs Cup in which teams from major European cities played.

Over time, the format changed, and in 2009 the tournament was updated — this is how the Europe League in its modern form appeared. It became more attractive: they added a group stage, updated the brand and increased the prizes.

In different years, this tournament was won by big clubs. \"Sevilla\" from Spain, for example, has a record — it won the Europa League seven times, and this is the absolute maximum.

\n
\"Also, such teams as \"Inter\", \"Juventus\", \"Chelsea\", \"Atletico\", \"Porto\", \"Manchester United\" have left their mark in the history of the tournament.
\n

This indicates that the struggle here is no less serious than in the Champions League.

Format of UEFA Europa League competitions

Europa League consists of several stages. First, there are qualifying rounds where clubs from smaller football countries compete. Then a group stage is formed, in which 32 teams play.

In the group there are four teams, each of which plays six matches (at home and away). The first two teams from each group advance to the playoffs. The teams that took third places in the Champions League groups are added to them.

Then the elimination starts: 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, semi-final, final. All rounds except the final are played home and away. Final is one match at a neutral stadium.

\n
\"The points in the groups are calculated as follows: 3 for a win, 1 for a draw. In case of the same number of points, head-to-head meetings and goal difference are considered.\"
\n

Famous teams of the Europa League

Although the Europa League is often perceived as the second most important tournament after the Champions League, there are also enough top clubs that have won the title more than once.

The main king of the Europa League — \"Seville\"

There is no team that would feel more comfortable here than \"Sevilla\". The Spaniards took this trophy seven times and each time proved that this tournament is their territory. They won in different lineups, with different coaches, but always found a way to reach the finals and win.

Clubs with a big name

In different years, the Europa League was won by teams that are well known even to those who do not follow football very much:

\"Inter\" and \"Juventus\" are Italian giants with a rich European history.
Chelsea and Manchester United are English clubs that approach the tournament seriously if there is a chance to win it.
\"Atletico Madrid\" is another club that won the Europa League several times and then moved to a higher level.

Teams that surprised

Sometimes the Europa League brings surprises. For example, in 2011, the champion was \"Porto\", which played brightly, quickly and efficiently. And in 2022 won by \"Eintracht Frankfurt\" - a club that was not considered a favorite, but it beat all stronger opponents.

\n
\"This tournament is a great opportunity for clubs to prove that they are worthy of the biggest European recognition.\"
\n

Europa League statistics and records

Europa League has accumulated a lot of interesting records. Some of them seem to be around for a long time.

Team records

The most titles – \"Seville\" (7 times).
The most finals is also \"Sevilla\", because they almost always win in the finals.
The most productive final – 5:4 (the match \"Alavés\" – \"Liverpool\" in 2001).

Individual records

Most goals in the tournament - Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Radomel Falcao who made the difference in their respective seasons.
The player who has won the most titles – Jesus Navas (4 times with Sevilla).

Records for the number of matches

Some players spend dozens of matches in the Europa League because their teams play consistently in this tournament. Among the leaders are Daniel Carisso and Adil Rami, who have accumulated an impressive number of games.

\n
\"These records show once again that the Europa League is not just a secondary tournament, but a separate world with its own history.\"
\n

The current state of the Europa League

Today, the Europa League is an important part of European football. This is a tournament that gives a chance to those who have not made it to the Champions League but still want European glory.

Favorites of the season

Each year has its own leaders. In the 2024/25 season, among the main contenders for the trophy are **\"Liverpool\", \"Roma\", \"Bayer\", \"Ajax\". All these clubs have experience in European tournaments and know how to play in decisive matches.

How the Europa League has changed

In recent years, the tournament has become even more interesting:

Changed the format, made it more balanced.
Added the Conference League, which slightly reduced the number of weaker teams in the Europa League.
The prizes have increased and now even the financial motivation for the clubs has become significant.

Impact on European football

Previously, the Europa League was a tournament that many teams did not take seriously. But now the situation has changed — the winner gets a place in the Champions League, so the clubs are fighting with all their might.

\n
\"Now this is not just the second European cup tournament, but a real chance for teams to take a step forward in their history.\"
\n

Interesting stories and facts from the Europa League

The Europa League is often referred to as the \"second tournament\", but in fact, so many bright things happen here that many people start their acquaintance with European football from it.

\n
\"Those who are not afraid to work until the last minute win here, and this is where unexpected heroes are born.\"
\n

One of the most recognizable teams in this league is undoubtedly Sevilla. The fans are joking: if the Spaniards reached the final, get ready, the trophy will go to them again. And so it usually happens. Behind the shoulders of \"Sevilla\" — seven victories, and no lost finals.

But the craziest final happened in 2001. Then Liverpool and Alaves staged a real battle — nine goals, extra time, and a winning own goal. This is not a writer's fiction - this is a real match, which is still remembered as one of the most emotional in history.

It is interesting that among the winners of the Europa League there is also a team that is not quite \"European\" in the geographical sense. Galatasaray from Turkey became the first club from a partially Asian country to win this trophy. It happened in 2000.

\n
\"And while winning is the main goal, there is another very important incentive: the winner of the Europa League automatically enters the Champions League.\"
\n

One more fact — penalty. The finals of this tournament more than once reached a series of 11-meter kicks. In 2021, for example, \"Villarreal\" and \"Manchester United\" took turns taking penalties until the score was 11:10. Goalkeeper scored and then another goalkeeper didn't score. It was spectacular and completely unpredictable.

Sometimes there are endings that few people talk about not because of the game, but because of the location. Yes, in 2019 the match between Chelsea and Arsenal was held in Baku. Due to the remoteness and high flight prices, many fans stayed at home.

\n
\"The atmosphere was unusually \"quiet\", and even the players themselves admitted that this is not the way to conduct the finals.\"
\n

It is worth noting that the UEFA Europa League continues to evolve, remaining an important platform for European clubs. This is a tournament where dreams come true and unexpected heroes write their names in the history of European football. Will anyone be able to break Seville's dominance? Time will tell, but one thing is certain — drama and passion remain the main attributes of this great tournament.

\n","has_description":true,"area":{"id":10343,"name":"Europe","country_code":"EUR","iso_code":null,"createdAt":"2024-11-04T11:59:12.049Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T06:27:27.477Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"0192f70b-1639-7b91-baca-b5f375430636","overrides":null,"icon":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/Europe_EU_f58c38cec9.svg","mime":"image/svg+xml","caption":null}}}}

Stefan Hierländer: Profile