Leeds United are back in the Premier League — and they wasted no time reminding everyone exactly how it feels. A stunning late free kick from Anton Stach in the 88th minute gave Leeds a 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the 2026/27 season.
It was a dramatic, nervy affair at the City Ground, but Leeds held their nerve when it mattered most. For Oliver Glasner, making his debut as Forest's new head coach, it was a painful start.
A Game That Needed a Moment of Magic
For long stretches of the match, it looked like a game that would end goalless. Forest were the more dominant side by the numbers, shading the expected goals 0.65 to 0.49, and had the better of the possession. But they simply couldn't find a way through a disciplined, well-organised Leeds defence.
Leeds, for their part, were content to sit deep and hit on the counter. They frustrated their hosts, disrupted Forest's rhythm, and waited for their moment. And in the 88th minute, that moment finally arrived.
Stach's Free Kick Is Worth the Price of Admission
Anton Stach stepped up to a free kick roughly 25 yards from goal and sent the ball curling into the bottom corner at the goalkeeper's near post. It was an exceptional strike — low, precise, and utterly unstoppable.
The Leeds supporters in the away end went absolutely wild. Stach sprinted toward the corner flag, arms outstretched, teammates piling on top of him. It was the kind of goal that football is made for.
The result also made history of sorts: it was Leeds' first Premier League victory at Nottingham Forest since the 1971-72 season — a wait of over half a century finally ended.
Glasner's Forest Punished for Profligacy
Oliver Glasner arrives at Forest with a strong reputation and clear ideas about how he wants to play. But on this occasion, his side paid the price for not converting the chances they created.
In the Premier League, you cannot afford to waste the opportunities you earn. Forest had plenty of possession and several presentable chances, but when the moment of quality arrived — it came from the away team, not the home side.
Glasner will know there is much to improve. But this was just one game, and the Forest campaign is long. How they respond will tell us a great deal.
Leeds Celebrate a Perfect Start
For Leeds, the three points couldn't have come at a better time. Their Premier League return has been anticipated for years, and they've arrived with genuine ambition. A win on the road at the City Ground, snatched in the dying minutes, is exactly the kind of result that builds belief.
Result: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Leeds United | Premier League Matchweek 1 | 22 August 2026
Goal: Stach 88'
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