By SCM Staff Writer I Sunday, Nov.09, 2025
NOTTINGHAM, UK— The venerable City Ground roared back to life yesterday as a pulsating atmosphere propelled Nottingham Forest to a massive 3-1 comeback victory over bitter rivals Leeds United.
The ground, a crucible of history and passion, became the defining factor in this Premier League survival scrap, witnessing a firework display of goals and giving new manager Sean Dyche his crucial first league win.
The emphasis on the venue could not be overstated.
Before the match, the stands were a sea of red, the famous Trentside ground buzzing with a ferocious, almost desperate energy. When Lukas Nmecha shocked the home crowd by putting Leeds ahead early on, the atmosphere could have soured—but instead, the City Ground faithful simply turned up the volume.
It took just two minutes for the stadium’s collective will to find its reward. New signing Ibrahim Sangaré, seizing on a rebound, fired home to ignite the already explosive arena.
The equaliser saw the City Ground erupt in a deafening, unified roar that visibly lifted the Forest players and unsettled the visitors.
The cauldron-like atmosphere persisted, peaking in the 68th minute.
The crowd’s anticipation was palpable as Omari Hutchinson delivered a sublime cross, met by a glancing header from Morgan Gibbs-White. The ball nestled in the net, and the City Ground utterly exploded.
Fans, who had not celebrated a Premier League win since the opening day of the season, knew this was a turning point.
Elliot Anderson’s stoppage-time penalty merely confirmed the inevitable, driven home in front of the delirious Trent End. The 3-1 final score was a testament not just to the players’ resolve, but to the overwhelming power of a galvanised City Ground.
Dyche’s Delight
For manager Sean Dyche, the win was validation.
“The support here at the City Ground is different class,” Dyche stated after the final whistle. “They never let the lads drop their heads. That comeback, that fight—it was fuelled by the noise.
This is where we build our season, right here in front of these fans.”
Leeds, despite their brief lead, struggled to contain the emotional wave crashing down from the stands.
They remain just two points above Forest, but the momentum, and the intimidating fortress that is the City Ground, now firmly belong to the Tricky Trees.
