29-year-old who was fan favourite at Forest plays a crucial role on Champions League debut

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Nottingham Forest’s promotion-winning hero Brice Samba starred on his Champions League debut for Lens last night.

Samba captained the side, as the French outfit claimed a 1-1 draw away at Europa League champions Sevilla.

The 29-year-old Forest fan favourite made five saves throughout the game to help preserve his side’s first point in the Champions League group stage.

Shot-stopper Samba has come a long way in such a short period since leaving the City Ground.

From second place in Ligue 1 to a Ballon d’Or nomination and now performing at the highest level of club football in a European competition.

The rapid rise of Brice Samba

All Nottingham Forest fans will have fond memories of the Frenchman, especially for his heroics in the play-off semi-final against Sheffield United, where he saved three penalties in the shootout.

The goalkeeper had a desire to move back to France and subsequently signed for Lens. Now, the Ligue 1 outfit have defied all expectations with Samba now helping them be competitive in the Champions League.

Last season was a really good one for the goalkeeper.

He was named the Ligue 1 goalkeeper of the season, even going on to claim a spot in the French national side.

Sadly for Forest, they were forced into letting him leave for a return to France when he was ultimately at the peak of his powers.

Although many Reds fans were disappointed to see him depart the City Ground, it is great to see the ‘keeper performing at the levels we all know he’s capable of on his day.