Nottingham Forest v Chelsea – reaction after Blues seal return to Champions League

Watch Maresca’s full reaction here:

Maresca took aim at his side’s critics after securing Champions League qualification: “All the ones that have the truth and have the answer for everything. In English, how do you say? F off to all of them because the players deserve that.”

READ MORE: ‘F off to all of them’ – Maresca fires back at Chelsea critics after securing Champions League qualification

Nuno Espirito Santo speaking to Match of the Day: “After a game like this and the things that happened on the pitches, we didn’t achieve the dream. Our first half was really good, we created many problems and had chances but it wasn’t enough. The anxiety in the last minutes didn’t help us.

“We are proud and we go again. You know that one goal can change everything. the improvement of the players is huge, the platform of the club is good. If you ask me, it’s a good season because of the commitment of the players.”

Levi Colwill speaking to Sky Sports: “As a club, we’re back where we should be. This club is a Champions League club.

“It’s a chance for the boys to test themselves.”

Chelsea win and are back in the Champions League!

Disappointment for Forest, who will play in the Conference League next season. A big achievement nonetheless though.

More pressure from Forest. Anderson whips a dangerous ball across the face of goal. The ball almost breaks for a Forest man at the back post but Dewsbury-Hall slides in to prevent a shot. Great defending.

What a chance for Wood to equalise.

Sels plays a long ball over the top, which Wood takes down a few yards from goal but fires over while stretching for the ball.

Eight minutes of added time to play.

The substitute has a go from distance but it flies well over.

Chelsea are throwing bodies in front of the ball to keep Forest out. Maresca has gone with a more defensive shape to try and see out the victory.

Dewsbury-Hall comes on for Madueke.

Aina comes off to be replaced by Jota Silva in an attacking change by Nuno Espirito Santo.

Tosin has gone into the book.

Gusto comes on for Neto.

A good run down the right from Aina but he’s leaning back when trying to cross it and the ball goes out of play.

Elanga has a go from way out from a free-kick but it’s an easy stop for Sanchez.

Forest have seen more of the ball in these last few minutes. They haven’t given the Chelsea defence much to do though. Surely it’s time to go for it soon?

Yates replaces Dominguez for Forest.

Forest threaten to equalise. Tosin heads the ball away from near his own goal line. Aina then tries his luck from distance but gets it badly wrong.

Lavia is on to replace Sancho.

Palmer works space for himself and shoots at goal but Sels easily saves.

Nice link up play down the right results in a dangerous cross which Caicedo cuts out well. They win a corner but nothing comes of it.

Callum Hudson-Odoi is on to face his former club.

He replaces Sangare.

Caicedo trips Elanga and gets a yellow card.

Chelsea move up into fourth as it stands – and goal difference means a victory will be enough to qualify for the Champions League whatever happens elsewhere.