The most recent match between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool took place on February 22, 2026, at the City Ground, where Liverpool secured a dramatic 1-0 victory thanks to a 97th-minute winner by Alexis Mac Allister. Historically, Liverpool holds the advantage in this fixture with 62 wins compared to Nottingham Forest’s 33, alongside 30 draws across 125 official meetings. As of March 2026, the rivalry has intensified due to Forest’s recent tactical dominance over the Reds, including a stunning 3-0 victory at Anfield in November 2025—their largest-ever win at that stadium. The fixture remains a highlight of the Premier League calendar, characterized by the clash between Forest’s “Tricky Trees” heritage and Liverpool’s “heavy metal” football under Arne Slot. Whether you are tracking the historical “Brian Clough” era successes or the latest 2025/26 season stats, this match-up represents a high-stakes battle between two of England’s most storied European champions.
2025/26 Season Match Reviews
The 2025/26 Premier League campaign has seen some of the most unpredictable results in the history of this fixture.
February 2026: The City Ground Late Drama
On February 22, 2026, Liverpool traveled to Nottingham for a crucial matchday 27 fixture. In what was Vitor Pereira’s first home game as Forest manager, the hosts dominated for long periods, only for Alexis Mac Allister to snatch a 1-0 win in the 7th minute of stoppage time. The result was a massive boost for Liverpool’s top-four aspirations after a turbulent winter period.
November 2025: The Anfield Shock
One of the biggest upsets of the decade occurred on November 22, 2025, when Nottingham Forest defeated Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield. Goals from Murillo, Nicolò Savona, and Morgan Gibbs-White ended Liverpool’s long-standing home dominance. This match marked the first time Liverpool lost consecutive league games by three or more goals since the 1960s.
Head-to-Head History and Statistics
The competitive history between these two clubs spans over 130 years, featuring major battles in the league, FA Cup, and European competitions.
All-Time Competitive Record
As of March 2026, the two clubs have met 125 times in official competitions. Liverpool leads with 62 wins, while Nottingham Forest has claimed 33 victories, with 30 matches ending in a draw. The goal tally also favors the Merseysiders, who have scored over 230 goals in this fixture historically.
The Premier League Era
Since Forest’s return to the top flight in 2022, the “David vs. Goliath” narrative has shifted. Forest has won three of their last six Premier League meetings against the Reds. Before this recent resurgence, Forest had famously gone over 50 years without a league win at Anfield, a drought that was emphatically broken during the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons.
Iconic Figures and Shared Legends
The link between these two clubs is strengthened by the legendary figures who have patrolled both technical areas or worn both shirts.
Managers: Bill Shankly to Arne Slot
While no manager has famously led both to top-flight titles, the rivalry peaked during the late 70s when Brian Clough’s Forest challenged Bob Paisley’s Liverpool for domestic and European supremacy. In 2026, the tactical battle between Arne Slot and Vitor Pereira represents the latest evolution of this strategic chess match.
The “Double Agents”
Several high-profile players have represented both the Garibaldi red and the Liverpool red. Notable names include Stan Collymore, who made a record-breaking move from Forest to Liverpool in 1995, and Steve Hodge, who won titles with both. More recently, players like Neco Williams and Jonjo Shelvey have brought Merseyside experience to the City Ground.
Tactical Analysis: Pereira vs Slot
In 2026, the matches have been defined by two very different footballing philosophies.
Liverpool’s Control: Under Arne Slot, Liverpool utilizes a high-possession 4-2-3-1 system, relying on the creative output of Mohamed Salah and the late runs of Alexis Mac Allister.
Forest’s Counter-Press: Vitor Pereira has implemented a resilient defensive block at Forest, focusing on rapid transitions through pacey wingers like Callum Hudson-Odoi and the clinical finishing of Morgan Gibbs-White.
Set-Piece Specialism: Forest has become particularly dangerous from corners and set-plays, as evidenced by Murillo’s opening goal in their 2025 victory at Anfield.
Practical Information for Supporters
Attending a Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool match requires careful planning due to the high category status of the fixture.
Tickets and Pricing
For the 2025/26 season, tickets for this “Category A” fixture generally range from:
Adults (18-65): £50 to £70
Seniors (66+): £40 to £55
Youth (14-17): £22 to £35
Children (4-13): £18 to £30
Stadium Access
The City Ground: Located in West Bridgford, Nottingham. It is a 15-minute walk from Nottingham Train Station.
Anfield: Located in Liverpool. Fans typically use the “917” express bus from the city center or the Sandhills “Soccerbus” service.
2026 Update: Both clubs now utilize digital-only ticketing via official apps; paper tickets are no longer issued for Premier League fixtures.
FAQs
When is the next Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool match?
Following the February 2026 clash, the next meeting will be determined by the 2026/27 Premier League fixture release in June 2026.
Who won the last game between Nottm Forest and Liverpool?
Liverpool won the last meeting 1-0 on February 22, 2026, with a late goal from Alexis Mac Allister.
What is the head-to-head record?
Across 125 games: Liverpool 62 wins, Nottingham Forest 33 wins, and 30 draws.
Can I buy tickets for Forest vs Liverpool on the day?
No. This is a high-demand fixture that sells out weeks in advance to members. General sale is extremely rare.
How far is it from Liverpool to Nottingham?
The journey is approximately 100 miles and takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes by car or train.
Who has scored the most goals in this fixture?
Liverpool legends Ian Rush and Roger Hunt share the record with 10 goals each in this head-to-head.
Did Brian Clough ever manage Liverpool?
No, Brian Clough never managed Liverpool, though he had a famous and respectful rivalry with Liverpool’s management during the 1970s and 80s.
What was the biggest win in this rivalry?
Liverpool’s 6-1 win in 1968 and 5-0 win in 1988 are among their largest victories. Forest’s biggest win was a 5-1 victory in 1908.
Is Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool a derby?
No, it is not a local derby. However, it is considered a “historic rivalry” due to their shared status as European Cup winners and their 1970s/80s title battles.
What are the nicknames of the two teams?
Nottingham Forest are known as “The Tricky Trees” or “Forest,” while Liverpool are known simply as “The Reds.”
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