Anton Stach scored Leeds United’s winning free-kick against Nottingham Forest in the 2026–27 Premier League opener.
Leeds won 1–0 at the City Ground, with Stach deciding a tight match through a late free-kick. His effort curled beyond goalkeeper Matz Sels and into the bottom-left corner. The victory gave Leeds three points in their first match of the new Premier League campaign.
The result also ended a long wait for Leeds: it was their first top-flight win at the City Ground since the 1971–72 season. That historical detail is often paired with Stach’s goal because the decisive free-kick turned a match that appeared to be heading for a goalless draw.
Stach was a German midfielder whose contribution went beyond the goal. He was praised for his drive and determination in central areas, while Leeds’ defensive organisation kept Forest scoreless. The answer is not the goalkeeper or the scorer of an own goal; Stach directly struck the set piece that produced the only goal.