Levi Colwill, Chelsea’s young defender, emerged as the hero on the final day of the 2024-25 Premier League season, scoring a crucial goal in a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on yesterday to secure Chelsea’s qualification for the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League.
The match, played at City Ground, was a do-or-die encounter, with Chelsea needing a win to clinch a top-four spot. Colwill’s 50th-minute tap-in from a Pedro Neto pass proved decisive, sending Chelsea fans into raptures and ensuring their return to Europe’s premier club competition after a year’s absence.
Chelsea’s campaign, under manager Enzo Maresca, was marked by consistency, with standout performances from players like Moises Caicedo, voted the club’s Player of the Season, Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez. The victory over Forest capped a season of resurgence, with Chelsea finishing fourth, edging out rivals like Aston Villa and Newcastle. Nottingham Forest, despite a strong season under Nuno Espírito Santo, missed out on Champions League qualification, finishing seventh and settling for the Europa conference League. The defeat was a bitter blow for Forest, who had been in contention until Colwill’s strike.
The match highlighted Colwill’s growing importance to Chelsea, with the 22-year-old earning praise for his defensive solidity and composure. The achievement has boosted Chelsea’s morale as they prepare for a busy summer, with plans to strengthen the squad for European competition. For Forest, the loss has prompted calls for investment to sustain their upward trajectory. The result underscores the Premier League’s competitiveness and Chelsea’s determination to reclaim their status among Europe’s elite.