Leeds United defeated Nottingham Forest 2-0 at the City Ground to qualify for the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday.
Goals from Daniel James and James Justin secured the victory for Daniel Farke's side, marking their second win at Forest's home ground in just four days following a league win on Saturday.
The result leaves new Forest manager Oliver Glasner with two defeats and zero goals scored from his opening two matches in charge at the City Ground, despite starting three strikers in the cup tie.
James opened the scoring on 50 minutes after capitalizing on defensive errors from the hosts. Forest defender Neco Williams advanced upfield before winger Arnaud Kalimuendo lost possession, allowing Sean Longstaff to play James through to finish past Matz Sels.
James had previously threatened the Forest goal during the first half, setting up a clear chance for Longstaff with a cross and forcing a save from Sels.
Defensive errors and attacking struggles
Justin added the second goal for Leeds after a long throw created confusion in the Forest penalty box. Williams failed to clear the bouncing ball at the far post, allowing Justin and Lucas Nmecha to combine and force the ball into the net.
Forest striker Chris Wood had the best opportunities for the home side but could not convert. Leeds defender Joe Rodon executed a last-ditch tackle to deny Wood after the striker nutmegged Nico Elvedi to break through on goal, and goalkeeper James Trafford later saved an eight-yard effort from Wood in the second half.
Trafford recorded his second consecutive clean sheet in as many games for Leeds since completing a 40 million pound transfer from Manchester City.
Leeds manager Farke praised his team's display following the victory. "It was a remarkable level of performance," Farke said. "Never in doubt, it was a fully deserved win. I saw how dominant we can be against really good sides."
Transfer activity and manager reaction
Prior to kick-off, news broke that Nottingham Forest had agreed a club-record fee of 45 million pounds, potentially rising to 50 million pounds, to sign Chelsea striker Liam Delap. Delap scored one Premier League goal last season and had not been training with Chelsea's first-team squad prior to the agreement.
Glasner declined to comment directly on Delap's pending transfer after the match, pointing instead to the team's ongoing adjustments following a difficult campaign.
"A frustrating night," Glasner said. "Last season told everyone what is needed, not just tonight. Nine months of relegation battle, losing maybe your top midfielder and now just six weeks together. The reality is no magician, no messiah, just hard work."
Glasner previously utilized physical centre-forwards such as Jean-Philippe Mateta during his managerial spell at Crystal Palace. Delap previously featured for Ipswich Town, where he established himself as a physical target man capable of linking play for fast-attacking teammates.
Forest continue to adjust to Glasner's tactical system while seeking a replacement for midfielder Elliot Anderson, who departed the club. Supporters at the City Ground whistled and booed at the final whistle following the defeat.
Carabao Cup second round results
The full list of results from Tuesday's Carabao Cup second round fixtures includes:
- Cardiff City 1-2 Norwich City
- Doncaster Rovers 1-3 Middlesbrough
- Barnsley 3-2 Crewe Alexandra
- Blackburn Rovers 1-2 Sheffield United
- Blackpool 1-4 Lincoln City
- Cambridge United 0-1 Millwall
- Fleetwood Town 4-0 Shrewsbury Town
- Ipswich Town 3-1 Leicester City
- Plymouth Argyle 2-4 Coventry City
- Sheffield Wednesday 0-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Southampton 1-4 West Ham United
- Stevenage 0-3 Reading
- Stoke City 1-1 Hull City (Hull City won 5-4 on penalties)
- Walsall 0-0 Leyton Orient (Leyton Orient won 6-5 on penalties)
- Watford 1-5 Peterborough Town
- Birmingham City 1-6 Brentford
- Nottingham Forest 0-2 Leeds United
