Leeds United defeated Nottingham Forest 2–0 in the Carabao Cup, with Dan James and James Justin scoring to send the Whites into the third round.
⚽ Nottingham Forest 0–2 Leeds United: Highlights and Match Report
Leeds United continued their excellent start to the 2026/27 campaign by defeating Nottingham Forest 2–0 at the City Ground in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
The victory was particularly impressive because it came just three days after Leeds had already beaten Forest at the same stadium in the Premier League. The result means Daniel Farke's side have now won twice at the City Ground within the space of four days.
The two goals arrived after half-time, with Dan James opening the scoring before James Justin added a second to secure Leeds' passage into the third round.
🏟️ Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Competition | Carabao Cup 2026/27 |
| 🏟️ Venue | City Ground |
| 🔴 Nottingham Forest | 0 |
| ⚪ Leeds United | 2 |
| ⚽ Leeds scorers | Dan James, James Justin |
| 👔 Leeds manager | Daniel Farke |
| 🎯 Result | Leeds advance to Round 3 |
🔥 Forest Start Strong, But Leeds Stay Organised
With both sides facing each other again only days after their Premier League meeting, there was little mystery about the intensity expected at the City Ground.
Forest looked determined to make amends for their league defeat, while Leeds were looking to repeat their winning formula.
The opening period remained competitive, with chances at both ends but neither team able to break the deadlock.
Leeds' defensive organisation was particularly important as Forest attempted to use home advantage and put pressure on the visitors.
The first half therefore ended:
Nottingham Forest 0–0 Leeds United
⚡ Dan James Breaks the Deadlock
The breakthrough finally arrived after the interval.
Dan James put Leeds ahead, giving Farke's side another important advantage at the City Ground.
⚽ Nottingham Forest 0–1 Leeds United
The goal forced Forest to become more aggressive in search of an equaliser.
That, however, also created additional space for Leeds to exploit.
The visitors remained disciplined and looked increasingly comfortable as the second half progressed.
🎯 James Justin Doubles the Lead
Leeds eventually found the decisive second goal.
James Justin scored to make it 2–0, effectively ending Forest's hopes of turning the match around.
The goal was initially attributed to Neco Williams as an own goal before being officially awarded to Justin, according to reports of the match.
⚽ Nottingham Forest 0–2 Leeds United
From there, Leeds managed the final stages professionally and protected their clean sheet.
🧠 Tactical Analysis
⚪ Leeds United
Daniel Farke's team demonstrated excellent game management.
Rather than allowing Forest to dictate the contest, Leeds remained structured and waited for their opportunities.
Their ability to score twice in the second half was ultimately decisive.
Key strengths:
- Defensive organisation.
- Efficient transitions.
- Patience in possession.
- Clinical finishing.
- Strong game management.
⭐ Tactical Rating: 8.8/10
Two victories at the City Ground in four days underline Leeds' excellent start to the new campaign.
🔴 Nottingham Forest
Forest competed well for periods but struggled to produce enough attacking quality once Leeds took the lead.
The second goal made the task extremely difficult, and Leeds were able to control the closing stages.
For Oliver Glasner, the result represents another disappointing outcome against Leeds after the Premier League defeat days earlier.
⭐ Tactical Rating: 6.5/10
⭐ Key Performers
⚡ Dan James
James provided the breakthrough and gave Leeds the platform they needed to control the second half.
🎯 James Justin
Justin's goal completed the scoring and secured Leeds' place in the next round.
🧤 Leeds Defensive Unit
A clean sheet away from home against Premier League opposition was another major positive for Farke's side.
📊 Goals Timeline
| Stage | Event |
|---|---|
| Second half | ⚽ Dan James — Forest 0–1 Leeds |
| Second half | ⚽ James Justin — Forest 0–2 Leeds |
🏆 Leeds Advance to the Third Round
The victory sends Leeds United into the Carabao Cup third round.
It also strengthens the feeling that Farke's team have made an excellent start to the 2026/27 season.
Winning twice against the same Premier League opponent within just a few days is a significant achievement, particularly when both victories come away from home.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Nottingham Forest 0–2 Leeds United was another memorable night for the Whites at the City Ground.
After a goalless first half, Leeds found the breakthrough through Dan James before James Justin sealed the victory.
The result sends Leeds into the Carabao Cup third round and gives Daniel Farke another reason to be pleased with the team's early-season form.
For Forest, meanwhile, the focus now turns to finding a response after suffering two consecutive defeats against the same opponent.
⚪ Nottingham Forest 0–2 Leeds United 🔴
Two games. Two Leeds victories. Another clean sheet. And a place in the Carabao Cup third round.
