Forest Shock Fenerbahçe 3-0 in Europe as Pereira’s Reign Explodes to Life
A statement win in Istanbul has sent shockwaves through the Europa League and it belongs to Nottingham Forest.
Under new manager Vítor Pereira, Forest delivered a ruthless 3-0 victory away to Fenerbahçe in the first leg of their knockout play-off and they did it with authority from the very first whistle. This was not a smash-and-grab. This was control, confidence and clinical finishing on one of Turkey’s most intimidating stages.
Fenerbahçe came into this match unbeaten in their domestic league and backed by nearly 40,000 passionate fans. But Forest silenced that atmosphere quickly. Murillo, the returning centre-back, surged forward and unleashed a powerful strike from distance to open the scoring. It was bold, it was fearless and it set the tone for the night.
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From there, Forest never looked rattled. They pressed high, they moved the ball with purpose and they looked sharper in every department. Just before the break, Igor Jesus rose inside the box and headed home to double the lead. That goal not only strengthened Forest’s grip on the tie, it also underlined how effective they were in attack.
Early in the second half, Morgan Gibbs-White added a third. The move was slick, the finish was composed and suddenly this wasn’t just a win, it was a European statement. Forest outshot their opponents by a wide margin and dominated the key attacking areas. Fenerbahçe had possession spells, but they lacked bite and their frustrations grew as the night wore on.
For Vítor Pereira, this could not have been scripted better. Appointed just days ago and stepping into a club battling inconsistency in the Premier League, he needed belief. He needed momentum. And he got both in emphatic fashion against a side he once managed.
This result puts Nottingham Forest in a commanding position ahead of the second leg at the City Ground. A place in the last 16 is now firmly within reach. And beyond the scoreline, the performance sends a message. Forest are not here just to participate in Europe. They are here to compete.
The challenge now is consistency. A tough domestic schedule awaits and expectations will rise quickly after a night like this. But for now, Forest fans can dream again.
Stay with us for continuing coverage of the Europa League race and the impact this result could have on both clubs’ seasons.
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