Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Thu 9 April 2026 21:58, UK

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Nottingham Forest managed to pick up a 1-1 draw against Porto on Thursday in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.

After a dominant start from Porto, they deservedly went in front thanks to a goal from William Gomes.

However, a freak own-goal from Martim Fernandes soon saw Forest back on level terms just minutes later.

From here, Forest grew into the game, and thought they went ahead before Igor Jesus’ goal was ruled out as both sides were forced to settle for a draw.

Below, Football Insider has rated each Forest player after a tight game in Portugal.

Morgan Gibbs-White disappoints vs Porto

While many were poor against Porto, perhaps the most frustrating performance was that of Gibbs-White’s.

The midfielder did little in attack and was often unnoticeable throughout.

When he did get the ball, he heavily struggled, making just one chance, having no shots, and being dispossessed twice.

All of his crosses also failed to reach a Forest teammate, and he was also dribbled past twice.

For a player of Gibbs-White’s quality, who is meant to be the star of the team, it was unacceptable, as he failed to make an impact before being brought off.

Hopefully, he will be able to bounce back for the Forest’s upcoming Premier League tie against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Stefan Ortega ensures Nottingham Forest stay in the tie 

Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Stefan Ortega will leave Forest at the end of the season when his contract expires.

However, the goalkeeper showed his quality on Thursday to keep the Reds in the game.

The keeper made several top saves when Forest’s defence looked particularly shaky.

An astonishing Fernandes own goal gifts Forest an equaliser 😮

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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2026

This proves to be key, with Porto unable to get a second goal despite their dominance throughout.

As a result of Ortega’s performance, the Reds are now still in the tie as they prepare for the second leg at the City Ground next week with a great chance of getting to the semi-finals of the competition.

Nottingham Forest player ratings vs Porto

• Stefan Ortega – 8/10
• Morato – 4/10
• Murillo – 6/10
• Zach Abbott – 6/10
• Dan Ndoye – 6/10
• Nicolas Dominguez – 7/10
• Ryan Yates – 6/10
• Dilane Bakwa – 7/10
• James McAtee – 6/10
• Chris Wood – 5/10
• Morgan Gibbs-White – 4/10

Substitutes

• Nikola Milenkovic (on for Murillo, 46’) – 7/10
• Igor Jesus (on for Wood, 46’) – 7/10
• Neco Williams (on for Bakwa, 61’) – 6/10
• Omari Hutchinson (on for Gibbs-White, 61’) – 6/10
• Ibrahim Sangare (on for McAtee, 74’) – n/a