Key Takeaways:
- Nottingham Forest secured a 4-2 aggregate victory over Fenerbahce to progress to the UEFA Europa League last 16
- On the night, Fenerbahce claimed a 2-1 win, extending their unbeaten away run in all competitions to 15 matches (W11, D4)
- Forest will next face either Real Betis or FC Midtjylland in the next round
Aggregate Triumph Secured Despite Home Defeat
Nottingham Forest advanced to the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League on the strength of a 4-2 aggregate win over Fenerbahce, holding firm despite suffering a 2-1 defeat at the City Ground. The visitors’ victory on the night prolonged their outstanding unbeaten run on the road to 15 games across all competitions (W11, D4), yet proved insufficient to overturn Forest’s first-leg lead.
Through to the last 16 of the @EuropaLeague. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/yBXihHy1uF
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) February 26, 2026
First Half: Fenerbahce Rally After Early Pressure
Forest, boasting a three-goal cushion from the opening leg, started the contest assertively, nearly extending their advantage through Lorenzo Lucca’s header after 15 minutes. However, Fenerbahce’s response was swift as Sidiki Cherif’s penetrating pass bypassed Neco Williams, allowing Kerem Akturkoglu to open the scoring midway through the first period.
The home side pressed for an equaliser, with Elliot Anderson going close from short range, but it was the visitors who looked more menacing. Aktürkoğlu’s first-time strike flew wide before he cleverly set up Cherif, who was denied by goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.
Second-Half Changes and Fenerbahce’s Surge
Boos accompanied the hosts into the interval, prompting Forest boss Vitor Pereira to introduce four changes for the second half. Yet, only three minutes after the restart, Fenerbahce found themselves level on aggregate, as Akturkoglu converted a penalty he had won after being fouled by Jair Cunha.
Despite never before progressing in Europe after losing a first leg, Fenerbahce sensed an opportunity as they pushed for a remarkable turnaround in their 27th attempt under such circumstances.
Hudson-Odoi’s Moment of Quality Proves Decisive
Nottingham Forest had struggled to produce their best football, and with pressure mounting, required a lift in quality. That breakthrough arrived via Callum Hudson-Odoi, who latched onto Ola Aina’s cross, created space in the area, and calmly netted his sixth goal of the campaign to restore Forest’s aggregate cushion with 22 minutes left to play.
The Premier League side nearly increased their tally through another twisting effort from Hudson-Odoi and an Igor Jesus one-on-one, but ultimately saw out the tie without further incident.
| Aggregate Score | Second Leg Score |
|---|---|
| 4-2 (Nottingham Forest) | 2-1 (Fenerbahce) |
Historical Significance and Next Steps
The result marks only Fenerbahçe’s second away win in Europe against English opposition (D2, L7), though their first-leg loss ultimately sealed their exit. For Nottingham Forest, missing out on a third consecutive UEFA competition victory for the first time since the 1983/84 season will sting given their below-par showing, but progression to the next round remains a significant achievement.
Attention now turns to their future opponents, with Forest set to face either Real Betis or FC Midtjylland as they pursue their quest for a first European title since 1979/80.
