Herning, Denmark – A heartbreaking conclude to a promising Europa League campaign for FC Midtjylland and former Borussia Dortmund youth coach Mike Tullberg. Despite winning the first leg 1-0, the Danish side were eliminated by Nottingham Forest in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw after extra time. The defeat marks a bitter end to a run that saw Midtjylland achieve a historic victory over Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest in the group stage.
The match ultimately came down to spot-kicks, and it was a disastrous showing for Midtjylland. Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White opened the scoring in the shootout, while Midtjylland’s Gue-Sung Cho saw his attempt hit the left post. Ibrahim Sangaré extended Forest’s lead to 2-0. The pressure mounted as Aral Simsir also struck the left post, leaving Midtjylland facing an uphill battle.
Neco Williams converted for Nottingham Forest, making it 3-0, and effectively sealing Midtjylland’s fate. The final nail in the coffin came when Edward Chilufya, Midtjylland’s third taker, slipped while striking the ball, sending it flying over the bar. The Europa League dream was over.
Edward Chilufya (26) misses a penalty during the shootout, sealing Midtjylland’s exit.
Penalty Pain for Midtjylland
Nottingham Forest’s German goalkeeper Stefan Ortega was largely a spectator during the shootout, with his teammates converting their spot-kicks. The victory sends Nottingham Forest through to the next round of the Europa League, while Midtjylland are left to reflect on what might have been.
Following the match, Mike Tullberg offered a candid assessment to Danish broadcaster TV2. He acknowledged that some players were hesitant to capture penalties, leading others to step up. “The shots weren’t excellent, but that’s just how This proves,” Tullberg said. “It’s not their fault we were eliminated. And I’d rather head out like this than with a poor performance in the first 50 minutes, where there was a clear difference in class.”
Despite the disappointment, Tullberg maintained a sense of humor. He recounted a conversation with assistant coach Morten Duncan Rasmussen, joking, “After the game, I asked Duncan, ‘Why the hell did we practice penalties?’ It really didn’t look like it.”
Tullberg’s journey to this point is noteworthy. He spent six years developing players in Borussia Dortmund’s youth system and briefly served as interim coach for the first team in 2025. His tactical approach and ability to motivate his players have been praised throughout his career. The Europa League run represented a significant achievement for the young coach and his Midtjylland squad.
This defeat comes after a historic win for FC Midtjylland over Nottingham Forest in the group stage of the Europa League, a match that Tullberg hailed as a moment for the team and its supporters. He expressed his gratitude to the travelling fans who supported the team throughout the campaign.
The penalty shootout loss highlights the fine margins in European football. While Midtjylland can take pride in their run to the Round of 16, the manner of their exit will undoubtedly sting. The team had previously recorded a historic 3-2 triumph over Nottingham Forest, and a first win on English soil since 2008 when they beat Manchester City 1-0.
Looking ahead, FC Midtjylland will now turn their attention back to domestic competition. They will need to quickly regroup and refocus as they prepare for their next challenge in the Danish Superliga. The team’s next match is against Copenhagen, and Tullberg has already stated his intention to begin preparations immediately.
The players have been given 24 hours to enjoy (or in this case, process) the result, but Tullberg expects them to be fully focused on training for the upcoming game on Sunday. The quick turnaround will test the team’s resilience and mental fortitude.
What’s next for Mike Tullberg and FC Midtjylland? The focus shifts to the Danish Superliga, with a crucial match against Copenhagen on the horizon. The team will aim to translate their European experience into domestic success.
Share your thoughts on Midtjylland’s Europa League run and the penalty shootout drama in the comments below!
