Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has vowed to chase Europa League success this season, insisting the club can “go all the way” after being drawn into a group featuring Porto, Ferencváros, Midtjylland, and a reunion with Malmö — the side Forest famously beat in the 1979 European Cup final.
The Greek businessman, who purchased Forest in 2017, reflected on a promise fulfilled as he attended Friday’s Europa League draw in Monaco. Marinakis had pledged to restore Forest to the Premier League and to European football — ambitions now realised as Nuno Espírito Santo’s side prepare for their first Europa League campaign in over two decades.
Forest qualified after Crystal Palace’s UEFA demotion, moving up from a Conference League slot. With the City Ground set to host European nights again, Marinakis says Forest’s ambition is not just participation, but trophies. Can the two-time European Cup winners spring a surprise on the continent?
Marinakis: “We’re Here to Compete and Win”
Speaking after the draw, Marinakis struck a confident tone:
“We promised to bring Nottingham Forest back to where it belongs, which was the Premier League and the European competitions… We hope that we can go all the way because we’re here to compete and to win trophies.” — Evangelos Marinakis
The owner confirmed Forest will invite their 1979 legends back to the City Ground for the Malmö fixture, creating a historic tie-in with the club’s most iconic European triumph.
England Recognition for Forest Duo
Alongside the European excitement, Forest celebrated a major milestone as Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White both received England call-ups for World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.
Nuno Espírito Santo said the moment underlined Forest’s progress:
“Since 1996 we didn’t have two players in the England squad. It says a lot about them and the improvement of the team.”
Forest’s Europa League Group Fixtures
| Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|
| Porto | City Ground |
| Ferencváros | City Ground |
| Midtjylland | City Ground |
| Malmö | City Ground |
| Real Betis | Away |
| Braga | Away |
| Sturm Graz | Away |
| Utrecht | Away |
source: UEFA draw – 30 Aug 2025
It’s a balanced group on paper, with Porto the standout test. But Forest’s home advantage at the City Ground and their attacking depth offer reasons for optimism.
Analyst Verdict – John William
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Marinakis’ ambition reflects a new era for Forest:
“Forest’s squad has depth, ambition, and now international recognition. Marinakis is right to talk about going far — this is no longer a side clinging to survival. With Porto and Betis as group heavyweights, Forest will have to be tactically flexible, but the talent is there.”
William added: “The return of European nights at the City Ground can energise the fanbase. Forest’s legends lifting the European Cup in ’79 and ’80 is part of football folklore — Marinakis wants to build a new chapter.”
Key Insights
- Marinakis confirms Forest aim to “go all the way” in Europa League.
- Group includes Porto, Betis, Malmö, Ferencváros, Midtjylland, Braga, Utrecht, and Sturm Graz.
- Historic Malmö reunion echoes 1979 European Cup final.
- City Ground to host European nights for first time in decades.
- Anderson and Gibbs-White earn England call-ups, highlighting squad growth.
What’s Next for Forest?
Forest return to Premier League action against winless West Ham on Sunday, aiming to back up their strong start of one win and one draw. For Nuno, balancing domestic form with European ambition will define the season.
In Europe, the Malmö tie at the City Ground promises to be an occasion heavy with history. With Marinakis pushing for trophies, Forest will target qualification from the group and a deep run that could turn nostalgia into fresh glory.
Can Nottingham Forest relive their European glory days — or will the Europa League prove a step too far this season?
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