Nottingham Forest Edge Bayer Leverkusen in Thrilling International Club Friendly

Nottingham Forest rounded off their pre-season preparations in style with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bayer 04 Leverkusen in an international club friendly on 13 August 2026. The result gave Forest a morale-boosting win against a side that featured prominently in European competition in recent seasons.

Played at a lively City Ground, the friendly offered both managers the chance to fine-tune tactics, test squad depth, and give key players valuable minutes ahead of the new campaign. Forest's intensity and sharpness in attack ultimately made the difference against a talented Leverkusen outfit.

Match Overview

Bayer Leverkusen came into the fixture with a reputation for slick, attacking football, and they showed flashes of that quality throughout. However, Nottingham Forest matched them physically and created the clearer chances in the final third. The home side's pressing game disrupted Leverkusen's rhythm and forced several turnovers in dangerous areas.

The 2-1 scoreline reflected a competitive, entertaining contest that served its purpose as a serious test for both teams before their respective domestic campaigns get underway.

Key Moments

• Forest's opener: The home side took the lead midway through the first half, finishing calmly after a sustained spell of pressure.
• Leverkusen's equaliser: The visitors responded with a well-worked move, slicing through Forest's midfield before scoring from close range.
• Winning goal: Forest regained the lead in the second half with a clinical strike from inside the box, sparking celebrations among the home support.
• Late resistance: Leverkusen pushed for a late equaliser, but Forest's defence stood firm to secure the win.

What It Means

For Nottingham Forest, the victory provides a confidence boost and demonstrates that the squad is ready to compete at a high level. The coaching staff will be pleased with the balance between defensive organisation and attacking intent.

For Bayer Leverkusen, the friendly serves as a useful learning exercise. Despite the loss, there were positive signs in possession and movement, and the match provided valuable minutes for players needing sharpness ahead of the season opener.