Nottingham Forest 3:0 Blackburn Rovers — Match Report

Gary RedknappFootball AnalystMATCH REPORT

Nottingham Forest strolled to a 3-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers in a Club Friendly, with midfielder Ryan Yates posting the highest rating of any player, setting up a meeting with Rio Ave next. The scoreline was emphatic, yet the game itself was a tame pre-season affair settled entirely in Forest's favour after a goalless opening half-hour.

The match turned just before the break when Igor Jesus fired Forest ahead in the 40th minute, and the floodgates opened within six second-half minutes as Arnaud Kalimuendo doubled the lead in the 48th before Taiwo Awoniyi added a third in the 51st. Blackburn never truly recovered from that quick double-blow.

Blackburn actually edged the corner count 4-1, but Forest’s 54% possession told the story of a side that controlled the tempo without needing to dominate territory. Yates was the standout performer with a 7.58 rating from midfield, orchestrating the win without a goal or assist. CheckLive's model clearly favoured Nottingham Forest, and the result confirmed that prediction; Forest now turn their attention to Rio Ave on 23 July.

Questions & Answers

What was the final score of Nottingham Forest vs Blackburn Rovers?

Nottingham Forest 3-0 Blackburn Rovers (Club Friendly Games).

Who scored?

Igor Jesus (40') for Nottingham Forest; Arnaud Kalimuendo (48') for Nottingham Forest; Taiwo Awoniyi (51') for Nottingham Forest.

First half1 - 0