Daniel Farke said there was no better way for Leeds United to start the season than a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest.

Leeds only won twice away from home in last season's Premier League, but Anton Stach's 88th-minute free-kick means they are already up and running on the road in 2026-27.

"There can't be a better way to start the new season, the first game and a first three points, especially away at a very, very difficult ground in a very competitive, tight game," said Daniel Farke afterwards.

"Also a first clean sheet under our belts with several new signings on the pitch so it couldn't be much better.

WINNER: Anton Stach celebrates his goal (Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)

placeholder image — WINNER: Anton Stach celebrates his goal (Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)

"It was a tight game, it was a game of different periods, we started perhaps on the front foot and then Nottingham had a good period and then in the second half of the first half and the game went on.

"I think both teams had situations and periods when they put pressure on the opponent, both teams defended well so out of the game there weren't too many situations.

“But in the transition moments and of course the set pieces they were always dangerous and I think the reason that we won this game was that we defended in the end each and every situation really well and also when it was necessary to block the strike or to disturb the header.

“On the other hand we had the moment of brilliance from Anton Stach who then converted one set piece situation obviously with a brilliant strike and the decisive goal.

GOOD START: Daniel Farke with his new Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford (Image: Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images)

"I think it was a very, very tight game and also it could have gone into the other direction but I am happy and delighted that we could convert our almost flawless pre season into a perfect game day and it's a very important three points for us."

As well as being important for Leeds, the clean sheet was significant for James Trafford, playing his first competitive game as Britain's most expensive goalkeeper after his £45m summer move from Manchester City.

One of three Leeds debutants, along with Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic, Trafford made some important saves to keep Forest at bay.

"Whenever a goalkeeper has a clean sheet for us on Premier League level he is always world-class I have to say the same today," commented Farke.

"I wouldn't say it was a game where he had to be there with ten unbelievable saves or whatever because there were not too many situations where he had to be there with an outstanding jump or whatever but his appearance on the pitch was quite important.

"He has this natural aura of confidence and calmness around him and this is exactly what we wanted with him so very happy with his game day.

“It was just his first game day but he played also a decisive part and once we returned back to the dressing room with a clean sheet then the goalkeeper is always excellent.”