Nottingham Forest claimed a dramatic 2-1 win against FC Utrecht in the UEFA Europa League league phase at Stadion Galgenwaard, marking their first away victory in European competition in exactly 30 years—since a 2-1 triumph over Austria Vienna in the UEFA Cup on October 26, 1995.

This result boosts Forest to 11 points after six matches, positioning them eighth in the standings and firmly in contention for automatic knockout-phase qualification, with two games remaining.

Match Summary

Sean Dyche’s side, dominated possession and chances early on but had to weather a Utrecht resurgence. The Dutch side, win less in 17 major European games dating back to 2004, showed fight but couldn’t hold firm against Forest’s late push.

• First Half: A cagey opener with both teams probing. Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi forced two early saves from Utrecht keeper Vasilios Barkas, while Oleksandr Zinchenko and Douglas Luiz went close. Utrecht’s Miguel Rodriguez tested stand-in Forest goalkeeper John Victor (replacing the injured Matz Sels) with a long-range stunner, but the score remained 0-0 at halftime.
• Second Half: Forest struck first in the 52nd minute when Arnaud Kalimuendo bulldozed through two defenders, benefited from a deflection, and rifled home from a tight angle—his second goal in as many European games.
• Utrecht leveled in the 75th minute via a set-piece header from substitute Mike van der Hoorn, the former Swansea defender, peeling unmarked at the back post.
• Dramatic Winner: Dyche introduced Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus around the hour mark. In the 88th minute, Gibbs-White’s influence paid off: he fed Hudson-Odoi, whose cross found Dan Ndoye for a header parried by Barkas. Jesus, on for just 82 seconds, pounced on the rebound and slotted through the keeper’s legs for his fourth Europa League goal of the season.
• Jesus celebrated with his signature Dragon Ball Z-inspired “Kamehameha” gesture, a nod to his childhood fandom.

Forest finished with 19 shots (1.56 xG) to Utrecht’s 10 (0.75 xG), underlining their control despite the nervy finish.

Notably, all five of Forest’s Europa League goals under Dyche this season have come from set pieces.

This win ends a 30-year drought for Forest in European away fixtures, their last being that 1995 UEFA Cup success en route to the final (where they lost to Juventus).

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) and global sports brand PUMA have officially revealed ‘ITRI’, the designated match ball for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.

This unveiling marks a celebration of Moroccan heritage blended with the dynamic energy of African football, just weeks ahead of the tournament’s kickoff on December 21, 2025.

Design and Cultural Inspiration
ITRI draws its aesthetic from Morocco’s ancient zellij art—a traditional form of intricate geometric mosaics found in historic architecture.
The ball features a white base accented by vibrant red and green patterns, echoing the colors of the Moroccan flag.

Key design elements include:

• Star geometry at the center, symbolizing ambition, light, and the pursuit of excellence on Africa’s premier football stage.
• Floral petal outlines representing celebration, growth, and the joyful spirit of the AFCON.
• Circular symmetry, embodying the unity of the 24 competing nations.

These motifs are enhanced by ‘Flow of Movement’ patterns that capture the rhythmic, expressive style of African play. The name ‘ITRI’ itself honors the five-pointed star on the Moroccan flag while nodding to the starry configurations in zellij craftsmanship.

Technical Performance
Engineered on PUMA’s Orbita 6 platform, ITRI combines artisanal aesthetics with elite-level functionality. It ensures optimal aerodynamics, grip, and durability for high-stakes matches, making its debut in the tournament’s opening fixture.

Fans can purchase the ITRI ball in select markets for a recommended retail price of €130.

CAF’s Creative Development Manager, Mohamed Ghonemi, emphasized the ball’s unifying power: “Created for the rhythm of African football, the AFCON 2025 ball brings together art, motion, and a design shaped by African spirit and Moroccan craftsmanship. It’s been a privilege to collaborate with PUMA on something that unites every nation at the tournament through a shared sense of connection.”

PUMA’s Director of EEMEA Distribution, Peter Dangl, added: “We’re proud to unveil the ITRI ball – the official match ball of AFCON 2025 and a true symbol of African football’s spirit. Combining Moroccan artistry with advanced performance technology, ITRI celebrates both the host nation’s heritage and the unity of the continent. Our collaboration with CAF reflects PUMA’s lasting commitment to African football and the communities that bring it to life.”

This launch underscores PUMA’s ongoing role as CAF’s official match ball supplier, building excitement for what promises to be a landmark edition of the AFCON in Morocco. For more visuals and updates, check official CAF channels or PUMA’s football collections.

FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta firmly dismissed speculation about a short-term loan deal that would allow Lionel Messi to return to the Camp Nou during Inter Miami’s MLS off-season. Speaking in an interview with Catalunya Radio, Laporta emphasized respect for all parties involved, stating: “Out of respect for Messi, for the professionals at the club, and for our members, I won’t make any unrealistic speculations—it wouldn’t be appropriate right now.” This comes amid ongoing fan hopes for a sentimental reunion with the club’s all-time greatest player, who left Barcelona in dramatic fashion in 2021 due to the club’s financial woes.