Nottingham Forest reach Europa League last-16 after late Fenerbahce fightback


Nottingham Forest booked their place in the UEFA Europa League last-16 despite a dramatic second-leg defeat by Fenerbahçe at the City Ground on Thursday night. Forest lost 2-1 on the night but advanced 4-2 on aggregate after a commanding 3-0 win in the first leg in Istanbul.

After taking control of the tie with a strong away performance last week, Forest entered the second leg with confidence. However, Fenerbahce opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Kerem Aktürkoglu drove home following a swift counter-attack, giving the visitors a lifeline. Moments later, a penalty was awarded to Fenerbahce following a challenge in the box, and Aktürkoglu converted to make it 2-0 and cut Forest’s aggregate lead.

Forest responded in the second half when Callum Hudson-Odoi fired home in the 68th minute — his first European goal of the season — effectively securing progression despite the loss on the night. 

The match was marred by crowd trouble early on, with Fenerbahce supporters throwing fireworks onto the pitch shortly after kick-off, causing a temporary delay and forcing players to dodge pyrotechnics.

Forest manager Vítor Pereira, whose side now advance to the round of 16, said after the match that while the performance wasn’t perfect, securing qualification was the priority. Meanwhile, Fenerbahce, hampered by injuries and a thin squad, posed a much sterner test than might have been anticipated after the first-leg defeat. 

The last 16 draw is scheduled for 27 February, with Forest set to face either Real Betis or FC Midtjylland next. 




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