Nottingham Forest Survive Fenerbahçe Scare to Reach Europa League Last 16

Nottingham Forest withstood a spirited fightback from Fenerbahce to secure their place in the Europa League last 16, progressing 4–2 on aggregate despite a 2–1 defeat on the night at the City Ground.

Forest appeared to have one foot firmly in the next round following a commanding 3–0 first-leg victory in Istanbul last week. However, a brace from Kerem Aktürkoğlu threatened to spark an unlikely comeback for the Turkish visitors.

The tie was ultimately settled in the second half when Callum Hudson-Odoi struck to extinguish Fenerbahçe’s hopes and ensure Forest advanced to face either Real Betis or FC Midtjylland in the next round.

Disrupted Start and Early Setback

The contest was briefly halted just moments after kick-off, with Forest players forced to avoid fireworks thrown on to the pitch from a section of the 1,500-strong travelling support.

When play resumed, Fenerbahçe made an assertive start and found a breakthrough in the 22nd minute. After absorbing early pressure, the visitors struck on the counter-attack. Forest were caught pushing high up the pitch, allowing Sidiki Cherif to surge down the right before delivering a precise pass to Aktürkoğlu, who finished clinically.

Forest, featuring six changes from the side that faced Liverpool at the weekend, struggled to find rhythm. Elliot Anderson came closest to an immediate response, driving into the area and firing narrowly wide from a tight angle.

The hosts were fortunate to trail by only one goal at the interval. Cherif struck the side netting from an acute angle, while Aktürkoğlu squandered a clear opportunity when he dragged wide from the edge of the area after being set up by Oğuz Aydın, who had capitalised on a misplaced pass from Omari Hutchinson.

Cherif was then denied by goalkeeper Stefan Ortega after another well-worked move, as Fenerbahçe continued to threaten.

Second-Half Drama

Manager Vítor Pereira responded decisively at half-time, introducing Igor Jesus, Hudson-Odoi, Ola Aina and Ibrahim Sangaré in a bid to regain control.

However, matters worsened almost immediately after the restart. Just 25 seconds into the second half, Fenerbahçe were awarded a penalty when Jair Cunha brought down Aktürkoğlu. The forward calmly converted from the spot to reduce the aggregate deficit and heighten the tension inside the City Ground.

With momentum seemingly shifting, Forest steadied themselves and gradually reasserted control. Their decisive moment arrived in the 68th minute when two substitutes combined effectively. Aina’s cross found Hudson-Odoi at the far post, and the winger’s composed low finish into the bottom corner effectively ended the tie.

Forest had further opportunities to seal progression more emphatically, with both Jesus and Hutchinson breaking clear, only to be denied by goalkeeper Tarık Çetin on each occasion.

Despite the late nerves, Pereira’s side had done enough to progress and will now await Friday’s draw as they prepare for a place in the last 16 of the competition.