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Nottingham Forest promotion hero helps secure first Champions League win in over 20 years

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Nottingham Forest promotion hero Brice Samba captained his Lens side to victory against Arsenal in the Champions League last night.

The 29-year-old made some crucial saves to keep the French side in the game, securing a 2-1 win – their first victory in the competition for over 20 years.

Former Reds ‘keeper Samba left the City Ground last summer, with the progression he and his Lens side have made being nothing short of remarkable.

He helped the club achieve second place in Ligue 1, whilst receiving a Ballon d’Or nomination – he’s now performing at the highest level of club football in a European competition.

Forest Samba
Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images

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 carrying on his heroics into the Champions League.

Since leaving the City Ground, the Frenchman has taken his game to the next level.

RC Lens v Arsenal FC: Group B - UEFA Champions League 2023/24
Photo by Christian Liewig – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

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

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.