Europa League: Ousmane Diao and Midtjylland stun Nottingham Forest

Ousmane Diao and FC Midtjylland made a big statement on Thursday in the UEFA Europa League with a 3-2 victory over Premier League side Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

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Diao, the promising Senegalese defender, opened the scoring in a chaotic first half by applying the final touch after a ball into the Forest penalty area fell through to him at the far post. Diao’s opener set off a scoring frenzy as Dan Ndoye equalized for the hosts four minutes later before Mads Bech Sorensen quickly restored Midtjylland’s lead.

It was an opportunistic victory for the Danish club, with Diao and the Midtjylland defense enduring many attacks from favorites Forest. After managing to maintain their 2-1 lead for most of the match, Valdemar Byskov put the visitors beyond reach with a late goal before Morgan Gibbs-White pulled one back with a stoppage time penalty kick.

After an extended period out due to injury, Diao is re-establishing himself as a regular contributor. The 21-year-old has played every minute of Midtjylland’s last four matches and put in a Man of the Match performance in their Europa League league phase opener against Sturm Graz.

Midtjylland have now won their last four matches in all competitions. They will now prepare for an important league clash against reigning Danish champions FC Copenhagen on Sunday before the upcoming FIFA window. Perfect through two Europa League matches in the league phase, their next continental excursion will be on October 23 with a difficult test against Maccabi Tel Aviv in Serbia.

Since arriving from Portuguese second tier side Mafra ahead of the 2024-25 season, Diao continues to develop with Midtjylland. He has 8 goals in 48 appearances for FCM.