Nottingham Forest Prepares for Historic European Home Game

Nottingham - October 2 (AP): Nottingham Forest is all set to celebrate a historic occasion as it plays its first home game in European competitions in nearly three decades. The team, now under the guidance of newly appointed manager Ange Postecoglou, eagerly anticipates securing their first victory.

On Thursday, Forest will face Danish club Midtjylland, following their 2-2 stalemate against Real Betis in the Europa League opener. This marks the Premier League club's return to European play since 1996, a year that saw them reach the quarterfinals of the then-called UEFA Cup, now known as the Europa League.

Striker Chris Wood expressed the team's enthusiasm, commenting, "There are many Forest fans who have not yet experienced European competitions, so it will be an exciting experience for everyone. It's a historic moment, and we're aiming to achieve great things from this."

Under Postecoglou, who took charge after Nuno Espírito Santo's departure, Forest is yet to celebrate a win, with a run of five games without victory.

Meanwhile, another English club, Aston Villa, is set to travel to Feyenoord. Villa heads into this match boosted by their inaugural Premier League victory of the season, having defeated Fulham 3-1, and following a 1-0 win against Bologna in the Europa League's opening round.

Scottish clubs Celtic and Rangers are also seeking their first triumphs in this season's competition as they clash against Braga and Sturm Graz, respectively.

Elsewhere, Roma will host Lille, Lyon will face Salzburg, Stuttgart is headed for Basel, and Maccabi Tel Aviv from Israel will take on Dinamo Zagreb at Backa Topola, Serbia. Due to ongoing security concerns amidst the conflict in Gaza, Israeli clubs are competing in neutral venues for UEFA-organized fixtures.

In the Conference League, now in its opening round, Fiorentina, a club with two appearances as runners-up, will welcome Czech outfit Olomouc. Additionally, Crystal Palace will travel to Lublin, Poland, for their encounter with Dynamo Kyiv.

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