Overview
- Arnaud Kalimuendo put Forest ahead early in the second half, Mike van der Hoorn equalised for Utrecht, and Igor Jesus struck the 88th‑minute winner.
- Forest move to 11 points after six games in the league phase, with Braga away on January 22 and Ferencvaros at home on January 29 still to come.
- Sean Dyche made nine changes from the weekend loss at Everton, with substitutes Morgan Gibbs-White and Jesus decisively influencing the finale.
- Ryan Yates (hamstring) and goalkeeper Matz Sels (groin) were unavailable, while Murillo, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Douglas Luiz returned as John Victor deputised in goal.
- The win strengthens Forest’s top-eight prospects under the new league-phase format, even as injuries and looming January decisions on squad depth remain in focus.