Spectacular 45-yard own goal gives Forest Euro lifeline

Martim Fernandes’ freak own goal gifted Nottingham Forest a route to a first European semi-final in over 40 years.

The Porto defender passed it into his own net from 45 yards with goalkeeper Diogo Gomes stranded to cancel out William Gomes’ early opener.

It gave Forest a way back in Portugal just as the hosts threatened to quickly take complete control of the Europa League quarter-final first leg.

“It’s part of the match, it’s part of the game. There was some pressure and some failure in their communication so we ended up scoring,” said Forest boss Vitor Pereira.

Now, victory at the City Ground – where they have already beaten Porto this season – next Thursday will send Forest into their first European semi-final since 1984.

Aston Villa could be waiting for an all-English clash after their 3-1 win in Bologna put them in pole position to progress.

Stefan Ortega had already denied Terem Moffi and Borja Sainz before Porto went ahead, William Gomes finishing at the far post, and saved again from Moffi in first-half injury time.

Igor Jesus had a goal disallowed after the break, having collided with the goalkeeper, while Ortega’s fine stop denied William Gomes a second.

It meant Forest boss Vitor Pereira, who won two titles with Porto, returned to Estadio do Dragao to claim a vital result after making nine changes – including starting Chris Wood, as the striker made his return after six months out.

Forest remain in a Premier League relegation battle, sitting three points above the drop zone, with Pereira mindful of Sunday’s top-flight visit of Villa.

“We changed some players, why? In two-and-a-half days we are playing against Aston Villa and I have to think about it,” he said.

“If we were certain in the Premier League we would be talking about another match but I’m pleased with the result, the players gave it their best, they kept it open and we will see what we can do next week.

“The two first replacements were thinking about Aston Villa, that is important to understand.

“We are playing to stay in the Premier League and that has to be taken very seriously. I have to be responsible and we have to add points as quickly as possible to escape the last matches and remain in the Premier League.”