After a two-year absence from Europe’s elite competition, Chelsea officially booked their spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

In what felt like a cup final atmosphere, both teams came into the game with plenty on the line. While Forest needed a win to stay in the hunt for a top-five finish, Chelsea were aware that dropped points could cost them the final Champions League slot. The early stages saw the hosts on the front foot, testing Chelsea’s resolve, though neither goalkeeper was called into action as the first half ended goalless.

The turning point came early in the second half when Forest’s Neco Williams misjudged a header, allowing Pedro Neto to square the ball for Levi Colwill, who tapped in from close range to give the Blues a priceless lead. That goal proved decisive, with Chelsea’s defence standing firm to shut down any hopes of a Forest comeback.

Despite late pressure from Forest, including a last-gasp effort from Chris Wood, Enzo Maresca’s men held on for a vital win – their fifth in six league matches – to secure fourth place in the Premier League and with it, a return to the Champions League.

The result marked a successful end to Maresca’s first domestic campaign in charge of Chelsea. With the job done in the league, attention now turns to Wednesday’s UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis, where the Blues have the chance to crown a promising season with silverware.