FC Porto opened the Europa League quarter‑final first leg with an early lead, William Gomes slipping home in the 11th minute. Nottingham Forest, fielding a heavily rotated side, soon benefitted from a bizarre moment when defender Martim Fernandes back‑passed into his own net, restoring parity. The match finished 1‑1, leaving both clubs level heading into the return leg.

Forest’s goalkeeper Stefan Ortega proved decisive, denying several Porto attempts after the own goal, including a close‑range effort from Gabriel Veiga. A potential winner from Igor Jesus was ruled out for handball following VAR review, denying Forest a late advantage. Porto pressed for a second, but Ortega’s saves kept the tie balanced.

The draw preserves Forest’s Europa League hopes while allowing them to rest key Premier League figures ahead of a crucial clash with Aston Villa. Should they replicate this defensive solidity at the City Ground, they stand a strong chance of advancing, setting up a semifinal against a Villa side that already secured a first‑leg win over Bologna.