Europa League: Former Champs Evoke Memories

Porto vs Nottingham Forest

In the history of the European Cup, now the Champions League, few (if any) triumphs have been greater than those achieved by Nottingham Forest.

Their back-to-back successes in 1979 and 1980 were simply magnificent; the time when a club from the provinces took on Europe’s best and beat them against all odds.

To this day, I believe that achievement has not been bettered in the history of the competition; all overseen by the late, great Brian Clough.

More than 20 years on from his death and 30 years since the club’s last foray into Europe, Forest now find themselves in the latter stages of European competition with another former champion standing in their way.

The tournament may be the lesser heralded Europa League. But in an era where the gulf between the big-hitters and the chasers grows ever wider, ties like this one should be cherished even more.

 

Talking Points

Like their visitors this week, FC Porto’s European Cup successes (in 1987 & 2004) were also surprise victories as they emulated the achievements of the great early 1960s Benfica side starring Eusebio.

Fast forward two decades, and they welcome Forest to the Estadio Do Dragao on Thursday night, sitting top of the Primeira Liga and eyeing a domestic and Euro double. They could go for more, as they currently trail Sporting Lisbon 1-0 after the first leg of the Taca de Portugal semi-final. That was actually Porto’s last defeat since they have bounced back with four wins and two draws.

Porto have only lost once in their Europa League campaign, with seven wins and two draws, although that defeat did come against their upcoming quarter-final opponents.

The home side is set to be without Samu Aghehowa and Luuk de Jong for this match due to injuries, while a talented teenager in their midst, Rodrigo Mora, and Nahuen Perez are both doubts.

Mora is only 18 but is already drawing attention from Europe’s elite with several clubs reportedly interested in the versatile attacker, capable of playing as both an attacking midfielder and a winger. His current release clause is set at £55 million, and expect that to increase if Porto do well in Europe. He has three goals and an assist in his nine matches in this competition to date. Porto were 4-1, aggregate winners against Stuttgart in the last 16.

As for Forest, they prevailed on penalties after their round of 16 tie with Midtjylland had finished 2-2 on aggregate. More impressively, they defeated Fenerbahçe 4-2 in the knockout phase play-offs.

After winning impressively, 3-0 at Spurs in the Premier League in their last outing just over a fortnight ago, Forest should have no fear, even if they have question marks against a number of their squad with Omari Hutchinson, Jair Cunha, Willy Bolly, Nicolo Savona, John Victor, Chris Wood, and Ola Aina all absent, and talented midfielder Elliot Anderson – tipped with a move away from the City Ground this summer – suspended.

Porto will begin as clear favourites. But if Forest’s Portuguese manager, Vitor Pereira, can use his knowledge of the national game to his side’s advantage, then the boys from the Trent could continue their Euro adventure and deliver Europa League 2026 highlights.

 

History

The two sides have only met once before, and that was earlier this season as Sean Dyche earned the perfect start as manager as penalties from Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus downed Porto.

The spot-kicks earned Forest their first win since their Premier League opener in August, a first clean sheet since April, and a debut victory for Dyche, who, harshly, only lasted four months in post.

 

Betting Tip

Before you study the SBOTOP Europa League 2026 betting odds, you may want to consider the form book.

The Portuguese club are without a win in their last seven UEFA Cup/Europa League matches against English teams (drawn two, lost five), yet they are unbeaten in seven Europa League matches (won five, drawn two). Forest, meanwhile, have lost only two of their last nine away matches in UEFA competition (won four, drawn three), winning three of their last four.

Personally, I can see why the Portuguese league leaders, priced 1X2 @ 2.18, are tipped to win against a side, on offer 1X2 @ 3.18, involved in a relegation battle in the English top-flight. Likewise, Asian Handicap options include Porto -0.75 @ 2.53 compared to Forest +0.25 @ 2.08.

I am plumping for a tip, though, of Total Goals 2-3 @ 1.97 with the tie still very much alive ahead of next week’s second leg.

   

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, X and Instagram.