Awoniyi double helps heavily-changed Forest beat Chelsea to boost survival hopes

Who, what, when and why it matters:

Nottingham Forest beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 4 May 2026, with Taiwo Awoniyi scoring twice as Vítor Pereira named a much-changed Forest side ahead of a Europa League semi-final second leg. The result matters because it advances Forest’s dual objectives: reinforcing their bid for Premier League safety and conserving momentum and squad spirit ahead of a major European tie, while dealing a blow to Chelsea’s recent form.

Pereira rotates but keeps momentum

Vítor Pereira made eight changes from the Forest side that started Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg, electing to rest several regulars with the second leg only three days away. Despite the wholesale rotation, Pereira said he had “changed the players but not the spirit” of the team; his selection gamble paid off as the understudies produced a composed display at Stamford Bridge. Taiwo Awoniyi led the line and finished twice, while winger Dilane Bakwa was also singled out in the report for his influence on the flanks. The win showed Forest’s depth and provided a timely confidence boost ahead of their crucial European fixture.

Chelsea struggles continue

Chelsea fielded an XI that, according to the report, contained many experienced and expensive players but were described as "insipid" on the night. The defeat adds to Chelsea’s recent difficulties and will increase pressure on the coaching staff and hierarchy. Stamford Bridge offered little resistance to Forest’s rotated attack, and Chelsea’s failure to break down a changed opponent will raise questions about creativity and finishing in the run-in.

• Match: Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge (reported 4 May 2026).
• Result: Nottingham Forest won, with Taiwo Awoniyi scoring twice (reported by The Guardian).
• Forest manager Vítor Pereira made eight changes from the Europa League semi-final first-leg team.
• Dilane Bakwa was highlighted for his contribution from the wing.
• The result boosts Forest’s Premier League survival bid and comes ahead of their Europa League semi-final second leg.

Context: competition and club implications

The Guardian frames the match in the context of Nottingham Forest juggling Premier League survival with a run to the latter stages of the Europa League. Pereira’s decision to rotate heavily underlines the club’s competing priorities — preserving player fitness for a European semi-final while needing points in the league to secure top-flight status. For Chelsea, the loss intensifies scrutiny over results and form as they try to steady their season.

What happens next

Forest head into the Europa League semi-final second leg three days after this match; Pereira’s rotation suggests he will again weigh squad management against the need for favourable results in both competitions. Chelsea must regroup quickly in training and selection if they are to arrest this poor run of results and respond in their remaining fixtures.