Key Takeaways:
- Nottingham Forest secured a commanding 3-0 first-leg win over Fenerbahce in the UEFA Europa League knockout phase play-off in Istanbul
- Murillo marked his return from injury with a driving solo goal, while Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus also found the net
- Forest ended a three-game winless run and will take a three-goal advantage into next week’s return leg at the City Ground
Match Overview
Nottingham Forest began the Vítor Pereira era in spectacular fashion, dispatching Fenerbahce 3-0 in Istanbul during the opening leg of their UEFA Europa League knockout phase play-off. This triumph came at the expense of Pereira’s former club, setting Forest on course for progression to the last sixteen.
Taking a 3-0 lead back to the City Ground. 💪 pic.twitter.com/8PyyjR3WpR
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) February 19, 2026
Key Moments and Player Contributions
Pereira’s first major selection decision saw Murillo return to the starting eleven after recovering from a two-match injury layoff. The Brazilian centre-back made an immediate impact just past the midway point of the first half, driving forward from the halfway line before unleashing a powerful low strike from outside the area which found the bottom corner – his first European goal for the club.
Forest pressed their advantage before the break, doubling their lead on the cusp of half-time through a set-piece routine. Morgan Gibbs-White flicked a near-post corner on, allowing Igor Jesus to head home from close range for his seventh goal in this season’s Europa League campaign.
Second Half Action and Defensive Efforts
After the interval, Fenerbahce striker Sidiki Cherif looked to inspire a comeback when he forced Stefan Ortega into his first save of the encounter straight after the restart. Nevertheless, it was Forest who effectively sealed victory minutes later. Omari Hutchinson played a clever pass, unleashing Igor Jesus and Gibbs-White into the area. Although Gibbs-White stumbled, he managed to convert Jesus’s squared pass, netting Forest’s third goal of the evening.
Fenerbahce’s former Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson was called upon to keep the scoreline respectable, notably denying Callum Hudson-Odoi and Neco Williams during the closing stages.
Advantage Nottingham Forest
The comprehensive win not only brought Nottingham Forest’s three-match winless streak to an end but also left them in an imposing position ahead of next week’s return fixture at the City Ground, where they hold a three-goal lead.
