Key Points
- Nottingham Forest advanced to the UEFA Europa League last 16 with a 4-2 aggregate victory over Fenerbahce despite losing the second leg 1-2 at the City Ground on 26 February 2026.
- First leg: Forest won 3-0 away in Istanbul with goals from Murillo (21′), Igor Jesus (43′), and Morgan Gibbs-White (50′).
- Second leg goals: Kerem Akturkoglu scored for Fenerbahce in the 22nd minute and from a penalty in the 48th minute; Callum Hudson-Odoi replied for Forest in the 68th minute.
- Match disrupted seconds after kick-off by flares thrown onto the pitch by Fenerbahce fans, forcing players to dodge fireworks.
- Vitor Pereira rotated squad heavily but made four half-time changes including Callum Hudson-Odoi, Igor Jesus, Ola Aina, and Ibrahim Sangare.
- Forest will face either Real Betis Balompié or FC Midtjylland in the last-16 draw on 27 February 2026.
- Fenerbahce’s Akturkoglu was named Man of the Match by Flashscore despite elimination; they had never progressed after losing first leg.
- Pre-match, Pereira warned against underestimating Fenerbahce, stating: “The worst error we could make is underestimating tomorrow’s match. We need to enter this game with the proper mindset to perform in front of our fans,” as reported by Mirror.
- First-leg highlights included Forest’s defensive solidity with goalkeeper Ortega securing a clean sheet, and Gibbs-White praising team’s identity.
Nottingham (Britain Today News) February 26, 2026 – Nottingham Forest progressed to the UEFA Europa League last 16 after surviving a nervy scare against Fenerbahce, securing a 4-2 aggregate triumph despite a 1-2 second-leg defeat at the City Ground.
The Tricky Trees entered the knockout play-off second leg with a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg in Istanbul but faced a spirited Fenerbahce rally led by Kerem Akturkoglu’s brace. Callum Hudson-Odoi’s 68th-minute strike ultimately sealed progression, easing tensions among home fans. Vitor Pereira’s side now awaits the last-16 draw against either Real Betis or FC Midtjylland.
What Happened in the First Leg?
Forest delivered a dream start for new head coach Vitor Pereira in Istanbul, triumphing 3-0 on 19 February 2026. As detailed in The Guardian live coverage, Murillo opened scoring in the 21st minute, followed by Igor Jesus heading in a Morgan Gibbs-White corner in the 43rd, with Gibbs-White adding a third in the 50th by slotting past goalkeeper Ederson.
Fenerbahce coach Domenico Tedesco expressed frustration over officiating, particularly an offside call on Sidiki Cherif’s shot. Forest’s defence held firm, with goalkeeper Ortega ensuring a clean sheet despite Fenerbahce’s second-half pressure. Morgan Gibbs-White highlighted the team’s strong identity post-match, as reported by The Guardian.
How Did the Second Leg Unfold?
The return leg at the City Ground on 26 February began chaotically, stopped after one minute when Fenerbahce fans threw flares onto the pitch, forcing players to evade fireworks, according to ESPN and Sky Sports. Despite the 3-0 cushion, Fenerbahce struck first in the 22nd minute through Akturkoglu’s clinical finish on a breakaway, assisted by Cherif evading Neco Williams, per Sky Sports senior football journalist Charlotte Marsh.
No Forest shots on target by half-time prompted Pereira’s quadruple change: Hudson-Odoi, Jesus, Aina, and Sangare. Seconds into the second half, Jair Cunha conceded a penalty on Akturkoglu, confirmed by VAR; Akturkoglu converted coolly in the 48th minute for 2-0. Momentum swung, but substitutes clicked: Ola Aina crossed for Hudson-Odoi to hammer home from the left in the 68th, restoring calm.
BBC reported Forest’s nervy edge past Fenerbahce 1-2 (4-2 agg), with Akturkoglu’s double threatening a comeback. Sky Sports noted Forest’s self-inflicted woes through turnovers and lost duels, making a simple task harder.
Who Were the Key Players?
Kerem Akturkoglu starred for Fenerbahce, netting twice including the penalty, earning Flashscore Man of the Match honours despite defeat. His opener midway through the first half and spot-kick gave real hope, as per ESPN analysis.
Callum Hudson-Odoi proved decisive for Forest, scoring the crucial reply assisted by Ola Aina. First-leg heroes Murillo, Igor Jesus, and Morgan Gibbs-White laid the foundation. Reddit post-match thread highlighted Akturkoglu’s penalty conversion and Hudson-Odoi’s left-sided finish.
Pereira’s half-time subs, including Ibrahim Sangare, shifted rhythm, per Sky Sports. Fenerbahce’s Sidiki Cherif created chances but squandered some, noted in multiple reports.
Why Was the Match Stopped Early?
Seconds after kick-off, the game halted as Fenerbahce travelling supporters launched flares onto the pitch, with players dodging fireworks. Mirror reported the stoppage in the first minute, heightening tensions. Sky Sports’ Charlotte Marsh detailed the disruption amid an electric atmosphere.
This incident underscored passionate but risky fan behaviour, yet play resumed without further major interruptions.
What Did Coaches and Players Say?
Vitor Pereira, enjoying his second European win under his tenure, had cautioned pre-match:
“The worst error we could make is underestimating tomorrow’s match. We need to enter this game with the proper mindset to perform in front of our fans,”
as reported by Mirror. Post-match, his rotation luxury backfired initially but subs saved the day.
Morgan Gibbs-White, first-leg scorer, praised Forest’s identity after Istanbul. Fenerbahce’s Tedesco was upset with refs in the opener. No direct second-leg quotes from players emerged prominently, but relief was palpable at the final whistle.
What Is Next for Nottingham Forest?
Forest enter Friday’s last-16 draw (27 February, 12pm), facing Real Betis or FC Midtjylland. Ties scheduled for 12/19 March, quarters 9/16 April, semis 30 April/7 May, final 20 May in Istanbul.
This marks Forest’s deepest run since 1983/84, chasing a first European trophy since 1979/80. A missed chance for third straight UEFA win stings, but progression delights amid lacklustre display. Premier League fixtures loom alongside.
How Does This Fit Fenerbahce’s History?
Fenerbahce had never advanced in Europe after losing the first leg (27th attempt), sealing their fate despite the win. Only their second away victory over English sides (D2 L7) offered scant consolation. Injury-hit squad faded late.
