Premier League
Leeds edge Nottingham Forest in tight City Ground opener
A late A. Stach strike settled a cagey Premier League opener at the City Ground.
A goalless first half at the City Ground offered little reward for either side's patient build-up, with both coaches sticking to a 3-4-2-1 shape that produced few clear openings.
Nottingham Forest's O. Aina picked up an early yellow card just before the break, while Leeds' D. Calvert-Lewin was also cautioned in the first half as the visitors looked to stay compact.
The second half followed much the same pattern, with Cunha earning Forest a booking midway through before the deadlock remained unbroken.
Leeds coach Daniel Farke and his opposite number Oliver Glasner both opted to keep their attacking options patient, and the match appeared destined for a draw until A. Stach's decisive strike in the 88th minute.
The goal gave Leeds all three points on the road, with the home side unable to muster a response despite pushing forward late on.
Referee Robert Jones managed a game that stayed largely free of controversy, with only the three yellow cards to show for the officials' disciplinary ledger.
Both sides remain without a point on the new campaign, though Leeds will feel the momentum from this win as they climb slightly above Forest in the early table.
The result leaves Nottingham Forest to reflect on a missed opportunity at home, while Leeds travel with renewed confidence after a hard-fought away victory.