Nottingham Forest claimed a dominant 3-0 victory away to Fenerbahce in the first leg of their Europa League knockout round play-off. Goals from Murillo, Igor Jesus, and Morgan Gibbs-White highlighted a strong performance under new head coach Vitor Pereira. The result marks Forest's biggest away win in European history.
Nottingham Forest began Vitor Pereira's tenure with a convincing 3-0 triumph over Fenerbahce at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul on February 19, 2026. The match, part of the Europa League knockout round play-off first leg, saw Forest control possession early despite a hostile atmosphere. Milan Skriniar received a booking for fouling Callum Hudson-Odoi, setting the tone for Forest's probing attacks involving Omari Hutchinson and Morgan Gibbs-White.
Murillo opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a low left-footed strike from distance after receiving a pass from Elliot Anderson. Fenerbahce had a brief threat when Mert Muldur headed over from a corner, and they appealed for a penalty after a Talisca shot hit Murillo's arm, but VAR confirmed it was in a natural position. Before halftime, Gibbs-White flicked on a corner for Igor Jesus to head in the second goal in the 43rd minute.
After the break, Fenerbahce's Cherif forced a save from Forest goalkeeper Ortega, and Marco Asensio tested him with a back-heel. However, Forest extended their lead in the 50th minute when Hutchinson's pass released Jesus, who squared for Gibbs-White to score despite stumbling. Late chances included Nicolas Domínguez firing over and Neco Williams drawing a save from Ederson.
Pereira, Forest's fourth coach this season following Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou, and Sean Dyche, urged his players to 'express themselves' pre-match. He told TNT Sports: 'We had chance to score two more goals. It was a very good result. It is only half-time, we need to be consistent.' Gibbs-White added: 'I felt we had a real identity out there. We defended well and we created so many chances.'
Forest, three points above the Premier League relegation zone, host the return leg on February 26 at the City Ground. This marks their first European campaign since 1995-96.
