Nottingham Forest’s Champions League dream suffered a huge blow after they were beaten 2-0 by Brentford at the City Ground.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have looked a strong bet to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition after a brilliant season, and they could have moved up to third in the Premier League with a win on Thursday.
But they faltered as goals from Kevin Schade and Yoane Wissa inflicted a damaging defeat, which leaves them sixth.
Coming four days after an FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City, there is a real sense that Forest’s season is faltering at the worst possible time as this was their third league defeat in four games.
There are sure to be more twists and turns in the race for the top five in the remaining four games, but Forest have made life hugely tough for themselves after what could be a pivotal night.
Here is what some of their supporters have been saying on social media…
JJ: It’s not over, but we’re really making it hard for ourselves. Back to begging for a few favours from other teams again.
Ben Harries: Wheels off. I’ve never seen so many Forest crosses with no attempt on goal. There are still chances and games to go, we can still make the Champions League or the Europa. Williams and Aina noticeably fresher legs, MGW is trying too hard.
NAS: Great season, but our lack of depth and no January investment is showing.
Andy Graley: Lots of very heavy legs on the pitch tonight. We have played a core team all season, swapping out the odd player here and there, and it’s starting to show. The lads have given everything they have all season. This needs to be a warning for next year, we need to add depth.
Simon F: Terrible tonight. Really disappointed in the players. Still a great season, but they clearly can’t handle the pressure.
R Hood: That’s it. Season’s gone. All that for nothing (maybe the Conference League, but who wants to waste energy on that?) Wont get a single point from our last four fixtures.
Lucas: Just a bad week, fellas. We go again. Plenty of football left to play.
Richard: Obviously not great, but only 7 points off 2nd place. Find me one person that would not have taken that at the start of season. 7 points from last 4 games still very likely.
Premier Elliott: Not the easy way, not the hard way, so the Forest way it is then.
Josh: No goals scored at home to Everton and Brentford. Beyond frustrating. Yes we’ve exceeded all expectations, but we’re bottling CL.
