Chelsea are back in the big time.
A scrappy goal from Levi Colwill just after half-time gave the Blues a narrow but crucial 1–0 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday. It was enough to confirm their return to the Champions League — and hand Enzo Maresca his biggest success yet as Chelsea head coach.
For Forest, there was disappointment. Chris Wood squandered two golden chances that might have turned the match, and possibly their season. Instead of joining Europe’s elite, Forest will compete in the UEFA Conference League next season — a respectable finish but a step below what once seemed possible.
“This was for the players,” said Maresca after the final whistle. “Everyone said we were too young, too soft. But we came here and won. So to the doubters? F*** off.”
The outburst may raise eyebrows, but it underlined the emotion coursing through a Chelsea side that has grown up fast under pressure.
A game of nerves — and narrow margins
This wasn’t a classic. It was tense. Cautious. Two teams full of nerves, both desperate for a European place.
Forest were hoping to take advantage of Chelsea’s shaky away form — just one win in their last ten on the road before Sunday. But despite a loud home crowd and a few early threats, they never quite found their rhythm.
It wasn’t until the 30th minute that the game sparked to life. Chelsea forward Pedro Neto, playing as a makeshift striker, volleyed tamely over. At the other end, Chris Wood somehow missed an open goal after beating Chelsea keeper Robert Sánchez to a cross.
By half-time, it was still goalless. But within minutes of the restart, Colwill — perhaps an unlikely hero — reacted first to Neto’s mis-hit pass and poked the ball past Matz Sels.
Colwill, who once accidentally scored the own goal that sent Forest to the Premier League while playing for Huddersfield, now had a more positive impact — for Chelsea.
Forest misfire at the worst time
Forest tried to respond, pushing forward as the second half wore on. But Chelsea held firm.
Wood had one last chance deep into injury time, but his first touch let him down and the moment was lost. The City Ground groaned. It felt like the story of their day — and maybe their run-in.
Forest boss Nuno Espírito Santo admitted it was hard to take.
“We are disappointed today,” he said. “But we must look at the season. The players gave everything. We’ve made big steps forward.”
Indeed, Forest avoided the drop last season and now head into Europe — no small feat. But after sitting in the top five for much of the campaign, it’s a bittersweet ending.
Chelsea’s young guns come of age
For Chelsea, it’s a moment of real progress after two turbulent years.
Their starting XI this season has been the youngest in Premier League history — just over 24 years old on average. At times, that inexperience has shown. But when it mattered most, they delivered.
“City lost here. Arsenal drew. Liverpool drew. Chelsea won,” said Maresca. “It’s not easy.”
He’s right. And for a team still under construction, this feels like a foundation to build on.
Co-owner Todd Boehly was seen embracing captain Reece James at full-time. There’s a Conference League final still to come this week, but the bigger prize has already been claimed.
Chelsea are back in the Champions League — and with that, come expectations.
What comes next will be harder. But for now, they can savour a job well done.
