Utrecht vs Nottingham Forest Player Ratings: Hudson-Odoi 8.5/10 Rated as Igor Jesus Snatches Late Winner in a 2-1 Thriller

What a dramatic conclusion to a fiercely contested Europa League encounter. Nottingham Forest clinched a vital 2-1 away victory against FC Utrecht, thanks to a last-gasp winner from a substitute. The match, held at Stadion Galgenwaard, was a rollercoaster of emotions. It truly felt like a game that could swing either way right until the very end. This was a classic European night defined by moments of individual brilliance and heart-stopping drama.

Nottingham Forest initially seized control. Arnaud Kalimuendo broke the deadlock early in the second half. However, FC Utrecht showed immense character, battling back to equalize through their own substitute, Mike van der Hoorn. The home crowd erupted, believing a point, or even more, was within their grasp. But substitute Igor Jesus had other ideas, netting the winner in the 88th minute, silencing the stadium, and sending the travelling fans into delirium. It was a tactical battle where substitutions ultimately decided the match. Here are Sportsdunia's Utrecht vs Nottingham Forest player ratings.

Nottingham Forest Player Ratings vs Utrecht

Check out the Nottingham Forest player ratings for the Utrecht vs Nottingham Forest fixture.

Goalkeeper

John Victor - 6.5: A relatively quiet night for the keeper, which is a testament to his defense. He made two important saves when called upon, including a great stop to deny Miguel Rodríguez. He couldn't do much about the goal he conceded. A steady, if unspectacular, performance. We noticed his distribution was quick and effective, launching a few counter-attacks.

Defenders

Morato - 6.5: He was solid for the most part, with a high pass accuracy that helped build from the back. However, we saw him get dribbled past on two occasions, which was slightly concerning. He won most of his aerial duels and made some key clearances. A decent outing, but with room for improvement.

Murillo - 7.0: Looked very composed and assured before being substituted. His ability to carry the ball forward and pick a pass was impressive, even creating a chance. He was strong in his duels and made crucial tackles. From our perspective, his departure might have invited some of the late pressure.

Oleksandr Zinchenko - 6.0: A mixed performance. He was a willing runner, getting into advanced positions and taking several shots. Unfortunately, his finishing was wayward, missing a big chance. Defensively, he was a bit suspect at times, committing a couple of fouls in dangerous areas. He needed to offer more discipline.

Zach Abbott - 6.0: A very busy evening for the fullback. He was involved in a lot of action, making some vital blocks and clearances. On the other hand, his possession retention was poor, losing the ball 15 times. His crossing was a pleasant surprise, but he struggled defensively at times.

Midfielders

Douglas Luiz - 7.0: Ran the show in the first half before his planned substitution. He was calm on the ball, broke up play effectively, and created a big chance. His influence was clear, and the team missed his control in the second period. A classy 45 minutes of football.

Nicolás Domínguez - 6.5: The captain led by example with his tireless running and effort. He was everywhere, creating four chances and winning a majority of his aerial duels. However, his decision-making was sometimes erratic, leading to a high number of possessions lost. An all-action, if slightly chaotic, display.

James McAtee - 5.5: A really quiet first half from a player we expected more from. He struggled to get into the game and his passing was surprisingly inaccurate. He lost possession far too easily and offered little in the final third. It was no surprise to see him hooked at halftime.

Forwards

Callum Hudson-Odoi - 8.5: Our man of the match, without a doubt. He was a constant thorn in FC Utrecht's side, with his direct running and creativity. He registered three shots on target, created three key passes, and delivered the crucial cross for the winning goal. An absolutely scintillating performance that decided the game.

Dan Ndoye - 5.5: A frustrating night for the attacker. He worked hard and managed to grab an assist for a chance created, but his performance will be remembered for a glaring miss from close range. In a tight game, those moments are crucial. He just needs to find his composure in front of goal.

Arnaud Kalimuendo - 7.5: Took his goal with a clinical finish from a tight angle, showing great composure. He was desperately unlucky not to have a second when his effort struck the post. He was a livewire throughout, causing problems for the defense until he was substituted. A very effective shift.

Substitutes

Igor Jesus - 7.5: The super sub. Came on late and immediately made the difference, showing a poacher's instinct to be in the right place to score the winner. You simply cannot ask for more impact than that.

Nikola Milenkovic - 6.5: Replaced Murillo and brought a physical presence to the backline. He made some important clearances as FC Utrecht pushed for a winner.

Elliot Anderson - 6.0: Added energy but was a bit reckless, picking up a yellow card shortly after coming on.

Ibrahim Sangaré - 6.0: Helped to shore up the midfield in the final stages of the game.

Morgan Gibbs-White - N/A: Came on too late to make a significant impact.

Manager

S. Dyche - 7.5: His game plan worked well, and his substitutions were spot on. Bringing on Igor Jesus was a masterstroke that won his team the match. He managed the game effectively, especially in a hostile away environment.

Utrecht Player Ratings vs Nottingham Forest

Check out the Utrecht player ratings for the Utrecht vs Nottingham Forest fixture.

Goalkeeper

Vasilios Barkas - 6.5: A truly bizarre performance to rate. He made eight saves, some of which were world-class, keeping his team in the contest single-handedly at times. Yet, the stats show an error leading to a goal, and he was ultimately beaten twice. He was a hero for 85 minutes, but the result overshadows his efforts.

Defenders

Siebe Horemans - 6.0: Defensively he was sound, but he'll be disappointed with his contribution in the opposition box. He missed three chances, including a header from close range. A solid defensive shift, but he lacked the quality to make a difference offensively.

Souffian El Karouani - 7.5: Easily FC Utrecht's best player on the night. He was a constant threat down the left flank, delivering an incredible 11 crosses. His persistence paid off with a brilliant assist for the equalizer. He was also solid defensively, winning most of his tackles.

Matisse Didden - 6.5: Was having a very solid game before an unfortunate injury forced him off. He was composed, read the game well, and made several important clearances. His departure was a big blow for the home side.

Mike Eerdhuijzen - 7.5: What stood out to us was his perfect passing accuracy. He didn't misplace a single pass in his 80 minutes on the pitch. He was a rock at the back, with seven clearances and a crucial block. It was a surprise to see him substituted.

Midfielders

D. de Wit - 6.0: A combative performance, but one that lacked quality. He was tenacious in the tackle but committed four fouls and struggled to influence the game in possession. A workhorse performance that was low on impact.

Gjivai Zechiël - 6.5: A tidy and energetic display in the middle of the park. He kept the ball well and showed some nice touches to dribble past opponents. Picked up a late yellow card for a cynical foul, but he put in a decent shift.

Alonzo Engwanda - 7.0: A very reliable and composed presence. His 97% pass accuracy was outstanding, and he was strong in his duels, winning five of them. He protected his back four diligently and rarely put a foot wrong. An understated but excellent performance.

Forwards

Yoann Cathline - 6.5: He looked lively and was always trying to make things happen. He drew several fouls and got into some good areas. However, his final product was often lacking. A frustrating performance, full of effort but little end result.

Miguel Rodríguez - 5.5: A really poor night for the forward. He lost possession an astounding 20 times and was constantly dribbled past. While he tested the keeper, his overall contribution was negative. The yellow card for a rash challenge summed up his frustrating evening.

Sébastien Haller - 6.0: A very difficult night for the big striker. He was physically dominant, winning many of his duels and drawing fouls. But he was isolated, starved of service, and caught offside twice. He worked hard but was unable to make any real impact on the game.

Substitutes

Mike van der Hoorn - 7.5: The perfect impact substitute. He came on for the injured Matisse Didden and scored the crucial equalizer with a powerful header. He did exactly what was asked of him.

Adrian Blake - N/A: Not enough time to make an impact.

Nick Viergever - N/A: Brought on late to see the game out but couldn't prevent the winner.

Miliano Jonathans - N/A: A stoppage-time substitution with no time to influence play.

Manager

R. Jans - 6.0: His team showed great spirit to fight back and equalize. His decision to bring on Mike van der Hoorn paid off handsomely. However, his side looked vulnerable at the end and couldn't hold on for a point. Questions might be asked about the substitution of the impressive Mike Eerdhuijzen.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match Goes to Hudson-Odoi