Nottingham Forest secured their place in the Europa League last 16 with a 4-2 aggregate victory over Fenerbahce, despite losing the second leg 1-2 at the City Ground. The hosts, leading 3-0 from the first leg, held off a spirited fightback from the Turkish side. Substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi's goal proved crucial in restoring their two-goal aggregate lead.
Nottingham Forest entered the second leg of their Europa League play-off tie at the City Ground with a commanding 3-0 advantage from the first leg in Turkey, which marked Vitor Pereira's debut as manager. The match, played on February 26, 2026, saw Forest make a confident start, with Omari Hutchinson troubling the defense down the left flank and Elliott Anderson forcing a near miss with an effort just wide of the target.
Fenerbahce, facing an uphill battle to overturn the deficit, received an unexpected boost early on. A quick counter-attack led to Sidiki Cherif crossing for Karim Akturkoglu, who finished to give the visitors a 1-0 lead on the night and shift the momentum slightly. Forest responded resiliently, with Anderson again coming close as tensions rose at the stadium.
Before halftime, Akturkoglu had a significant chance for a second goal, while Cherif was denied by Stefan Ortega's hand on the line. Pereira introduced four changes at the break, but Fenerbahce capitalized almost immediately in the second half. A penalty was awarded less than a minute after the restart, which Akturkoglu converted confidently, making it 2-0 on the night and intensifying the contest.
The introduction of substitutes turned the tide for Forest. Ola Aina found Callum Hudson-Odoi on the left, and the winger shifted the ball before curling it into the far corner, reducing the deficit to 2-1 on the night and restoring Forest's two-goal aggregate cushion. This strike deflated Fenerbahce's momentum, allowing the hosts to manage the game and secure progression to the last 16, where they will face either Real Betis or Midtjylland.
Forest's lineup included Stefan Ortega in goal, with Omari Hutchinson, Jair Cunha, Murillo, Morato, and Neco Williams in defense; Nicolas Dominguez, Ryan Yates, and Elliott Anderson in midfield; James McAtee and Lorenzo Lucca up front. Fenerbahce fielded Altay Bayindir's replacement in Serdar Cetin, with Matteo Guendouzi dropping into defense alongside Ngolo Kante in midfield, and Akturkoglu leading the attack with Cherif and Nene.
