Forest Survive Scare as Fenerbahçe Push Them to the Brink in Europa Thriller
Nottingham Forest are through to the Europa League last 16, but it was anything but comfortable at the City Ground.
Coming into the night with a commanding 3–0 advantage from the first leg in Turkey, Forest were expected to manage the game. Instead, they found themselves hanging on as Fenerbahçe turned up the pressure and exposed every nervous edge inside the stadium.
The visitors struck first through Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who punished Forest on the break midway through the first half. That goal changed the mood instantly. The home crowd, confident just moments earlier, suddenly sensed danger. Forest looked hesitant, sloppy in possession and unsure of themselves.
Then came the real scare. Just seconds into the second half, a clumsy challenge inside the box handed Fenerbahçe a penalty. Aktürkoğlu stepped up and converted. At 2–0 on the night, the aggregate score was suddenly 3–2. A tie that once looked finished was now alive.
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Forest manager Vítor Pereira had rotated heavily, clearly balancing European ambition with the club’s Premier League survival battle. But as the pressure mounted, he had no choice but to turn to his key players from the bench. It was a gamble that nearly backfired.
The moment of relief arrived through Callum Hudson-Odoi. With just over 20 minutes remaining, he found space and drove a low finish past the goalkeeper. That goal restored breathing room, pushing the aggregate score to 4–2 and calming the storm.
Even then, it was tense. Fenerbahçe continued to push, showing resilience despite injuries and squad limitations. They played with belief and for long stretches they looked the more composed side.
So why does this matter? Because Forest are fighting on two fronts. Domestically, they sit just above the relegation zone. In Europe, they are now into the knockout stages for the first time in three decades. The contrast is stark. Progress in the Europa League brings prestige, momentum and financial reward. But it also brings fatigue and risk.
For Pereira, only weeks into his tenure, this was a test of mentality. His players showed vulnerability, but they also showed just enough resilience to get over the line.
Forest now move forward in Europe, but questions remain about their consistency and composure under pressure. The next round will not be forgiving.
Stay with us for continuing coverage of the Europa League and the Premier League battle that could define Nottingham Forest’s season.
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