All Premier League teams work hard throughout the season to fulfil their goals, but only the big and elite ones step up when it’s most essential. Today, Nottingham Forest proved they are still far from that level.At one point during the season, they were even considered title contenders alongside Liverpool and Arsenal, but in the end, they fell short when they most needed a win and lost a direct UCL clash against Chelsea 1-0.Ten-man Villa collapse late at Old Trafford as lucky Newcastle get in Champions League despite lossThe Trees needed to triumph against the Blues, but even that wouldn’t guarantee them the UCL football after a 44-year absence from the elite. Still, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men failed to fulfil even the primary condition, losing to the Blues, who will return to the UCL for the first time since the 2022/2023 season.Levi Colwill ultimately became the Blues’ hero, scoring a winner in the 50th minute in a game that resembled more of a relegation-strugglers’ duel than a battle for the Champions League.Chelsea are back in the Champions League next season ✨ pic.twitter.com/4dailhsyQ0— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 25, 2025 As if the pressure and the importance of the game were too overwhelming for both sides, they “threw the first half out the window,” creating one decent chance apiece. Pedro Neto wasted it for Chelsea, while Chris Wood missed Nottingham’s opportunity.The rivals were tied at the break, but already at that point, it was clear that small mistakes would prevail.And that’s precisely what happened! Five minutes into the second half, following Chelsea’s corner kick and a melee in the Trees’ box, Neto found Colwill, who passed the ball into the empty net for the immense joy of the blue part of London!1-0 Chelsea.COLWILL SCORES A MASSIVE GOAL FOR CHELSEA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE GOAL FOR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOOTBALL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/h7OXAmPgra— The Touchline | Football Coverage (@TouchlineX) May 25, 2025 Espirito Santo’s crew did try to bounce back, but all their – weak, to be honest – attempts were futile. In the most crucial match of the season, Forest “didn’t show up” and will consequently play in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers.Nevertheless, given that they last played in Europe in 1996, this season has been an utmost success. On the other hand, Enzo Maresca managed to accomplish his primary task and get Chelsea back to the elite.From the depths to the summit – Black Cats are back in the Premier League!As for Man City, although they were in the most comfortable position ahead of the final round, they still beat Fulham at Craven Cottage 2-0 behind Ilkay Gundogan’s opener and Erling Haaland’s spot-kick goal, securing the third spot in the EPL.##NAJAVA_MECA_8947619##PREMIER LEAGUE – FINAL MATCHDAYSundayBournemouth – Leicester 2-0 (0-0)/Semenyo 74, 88/Fulham – Manchester City 0-2 (0-1)/Gundogan 21, Haaland 72 pen/Ipswich – West Ham 1-2 (0-1)/Broadhead 52 – Ward-Prowse 43, Bowen 55, Kudus 87/Liverpool – Crystal Palace 1-1 (0-1)/Salah 85 – Sarr 9/Manchester United – Aston Villa 2-0 (0-0)/Diallo 76, Eriksen 87 pen/Newcastle – Everton 0-1 (0-0)/Alcaraz 65/Nottingham Forest – Chelsea 0-1 (0-0)/Colwill 50/Southampton – Arsenal 1-2 (0-1)/Stewart 56 – Tierney 43, Odegaard 89/Tottenham – Brighton 1-4 (1-0)/Solanke 17 pen – Hinshelwood 51, 64, O’Riley 88 pen, Gomez 90+3/Wolverhampton – Brentford 1-1 (0-1)/Munetsi 75 – Mbeumo 20/
