Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Saturday, April 18, 2026, 3:47 p.m. / Updated Saturday, April 18, 2026, 3:48 p.m.
An absolutely incredible precedent is taking shape in European football. Nottingham Forest, two-time winners of the European Champions Cup (1979, 1980), are one step away from the UEFA Europa League final after a remarkable run.
The English will face Aston Villa in the semi-finals, another former European champion (1982), in a duel between two Premier League teams. Interestingly, Forest remain a unique case: they have won more European trophies (2) than domestic championship titles (1).
Nottingham Forest, close to relegation in the Championship, but also in the semi-finals of the Europa League
If in Europe it impresses, in the Premier League the situation is critical. With only 33 points, the team is in 16th place and fighting to avoid relegation.
The team coached by Vitor Pereira is in serious danger of reaching the Championship, being involved in a direct battle with rivals such as West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.
How the scenario can be produced
UEFA regulations clearly state that the winning team of the UEFA Europa League automatically qualifies for the UEFA Champions League.
Thus, if Nottingham Forest managed to win the Europa League, but at the same time were relegated to the second division, an unprecedented scenario would be reached: a team from the second division could play in the Champions League.
Huge hurdles to 'miracle'
For this scenario to become a reality, Nottingham Forest face an extremely difficult route in the UEFA Europa League.
The English must first overcome Aston Villa, coached by Unai Emery, in the semi-finals, and then the winner of the duel between Braga and Freiburg, to reach the trophy.
In parallel, in the championship, the results should be poor enough for the team to reach the relegation zone, which would lead to a rare scenario in European football: participation in the UEFA Champions League while performing in the second division.
The Premier League standings, where the battle to avoid relegation is tight
