Pat Riddell
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

The fact that Nottingham Forest are even close to qualifying for the Champions League seems like some kind of wild dream.

Having gained promotion to the Premier League in 2022 - after a long, long absence - we have battled relegation for two seasons and, for many, a solid mid-table finish was really all we could hope for.

Similarly, we have been that close to qualifying for the Champions League for so long that it feels a) incredible that we're still here and b) incredible that we have not actually done it already.

Having won the European Cup two years in succession with Brian Clough in 1979 and 1980, and returned to continental competition with Frank Clark 30 years ago, it would mean everything to once again welcome the likes of Bayern Munich and Barcelona to the City Ground.

Of course, a lot has changed since those days, and for a club - hopefully - on the up, it is not make or break for us.

The team has outperformed everyone's expectations and to make the top five - in the year that the Premier League gained five places in the Champions League - would be an amazing end to an amazing season. Regardless of what happens, the past nine months will live long in the memory.

European football is already a given, having secured a place in the top seven, and competing with clubs bankrolled by petro-states and billionaires is the kind of underdog status that Forest really thrive upon. We are not dependent on Champions League football for our bank balance and renewing our ports is, in many ways, exciting enough. That said, we are not just in it for the adventure.

For the manager and the players, they have given everything this season and Sunday is a time to celebrate and know that the pressure really is on our opponents.

If we stick to our gameplan and play as we have all season, then the fans are with them no matter what.

Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club, external