Leeds, England – In a pivotal clash at Elland Road on February 6, 2026, Leeds United secured a 3-1 victory against Nottingham Forest, a result that manager Daniel Farke has described as a "massive win" for the club's Premier League survival hopes. The win propelled Leeds nine points clear of the relegation zone, providing a significant boost in their quest to remain in the top flight.
Leeds and Forest were level on points and goal difference ahead of Friday's contest, but it was Daniel Farke's team that struck a major blow in the battle to avoid the drop. Goals from Jayden Bogle, Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin secured the victory for the Whites, while Lorenzo Lucca, on his Forest debut, managed to pull one back for the visitors.
The match saw Leeds establish a commanding lead with two goals in quick succession during the first half. Jayden Bogle opened the scoring, followed shortly by Noah Okafor, who ended a 16-game goal drought. Dominic Calvert-Lewin further extended Leeds' advantage early in the second half. Despite Lucca's late consolation goal for Nottingham Forest, Leeds maintained their grip on the game to secure a deserved victory.
Farke expressed his delight with his team's performance, emphasizing the importance of the win. He told BBC Match of the Day that he was proud of his players and praised their mentality and spirit. He described it as a "perfect win", highlighting the team's fighting edge and determination.
The Leeds boss also acknowledged the significance of Elland Road becoming a fortress for the team. He pointed out that a high proportion of their points this season have been earned at home and that the atmosphere at Elland Road helps the team deliver emphatic performances.
The victory was not only crucial in terms of points but also served as a confidence booster for Leeds. Farke noted the importance of instilling a winning mentality within the team, especially when needing to win. He believes the win will significantly impact the team's confidence and spirit.
With this win, Leeds now sit level on points with Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest could find themselves just three points above the relegation zone, depending on West Ham United's result against Burnley.
Looking ahead, Farke remains grounded, stating that the team will enjoy the victory but must quickly refocus on the challenges ahead. He added, "We edge three points closer. We are happy tonight but tomorrow we go again".
