Nottingham Forest 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen: Late Kalimuendo Winner Ends Five-Match Streak

Bayer Leverkusen's perfect pre-season run came to an end as Nottingham Forest secured a dramatic 2-1 victory at the City Ground.

Patrik Schick scored for the Bundesliga side after Dan Ndoye had given Forest an early lead, but Arnaud Kalimuendo struck in stoppage time to hand Leverkusen their first defeat of the summer.

Forest Strike Early, Schick Responds

Nottingham Forest made the perfect start as Morgan Gibbs-White delivered a cross for Ndoye, who volleyed home in the fourth minute.

Leverkusen gradually settled into the contest and began creating chances.

Schick missed a close-range header in the 29th minute but made amends four minutes later. The Czech striker found space inside the penalty area and produced a clever finish over goalkeeper Matz Sels to make it 1-1.

It was another encouraging performance from Schick after he scored both goals in Leverkusen's previous 2-1 friendly victory over Sevilla.

Kalimuendo Wins It in Stoppage Time

Both teams made several changes after the break as the match became more balanced.

Leverkusen appeared set to leave Nottingham with a draw, but Forest produced the decisive moment in stoppage time.

Former Borussia Mönchengladbach player Luca Netz delivered the ball into the area and ex-Eintracht Frankfurt forward Kalimuendo converted to seal a dramatic 2-1 win.

Leverkusen's Winning Run Ends

The result brought Leverkusen's five-match pre-season winning streak to an end.

While the defeat will disappoint Carles Martínez, the match provided another valuable test against Premier League opposition as the club continue preparations for the 2026/27 season.

Leverkusen will remain in England for their next challenge, with Newcastle United awaiting them at St James' Park.