Forest went third in the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Tottenham on Monday night, with Manchester City toppling the Reds once again after their win over Aston Villa on Tuesday.
The Villans now have it all to do in the quest to reach the Champions League, with Unai Emery’s team having played a game more than Forest this season.
Forest turn their attentions to Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City now but it feels likely that one eye will be on the Premier League run-in.
After last night’s game, Pep Guardiola was quizzed on the chase for the Champions League places and paid tribute to Forest, albeit indirectly.
Pep Guardiola makes Nottingham Forest claim
Guardiola is now holding the aces when it comes to getting his team back into the Champions League following a disastrous season by his high standards.
Forest are in the mix too and frankly, it’s in the hands of Nuno Espirito Santo from this point, with a real chance of defying the odds, achieving something special very likely.
After last night’s win over Villa for City, Guardiola summed up the season and namechecked Forest in the process.
He said on Sky Sports: “The season has been bad.
“Sometimes you have bad seasons for many reasons. Until the end, we try and avoid the damage.
“We can qualify for the Champions League. Look at the teams. Liverpool will be champions. Arsenal, what can I say? But the other ones. Chelsea, Aston Villa, Newcastle, ourselves and Nottingham Forest. The level of those teams is outstanding.”
Nottingham Forest’s remaining Premier League fixtures
The Reds still have to keep grounded and focused on the task at hand, with Newcastle and Chelsea both still in the mix for a Champions League place.
Frankly, however, the Reds have very winable fixtures remaining, and the hope will be that Espirito Santo can continue working his magic and get Forest over the line in the quest to reach the Champions League.
Forest have three games left to play on home soil, with two trips to London on the cards for games against Crystal Palace and West Ham United.
The Reds have defied the odds all season and with the finish line in sight, Forest could truly be on the cusp of something special.
