Vítor Pereira’s tenure at Nottingham Forest began in spectacular fashion as his side dismantled Fenerbahce 3-0 in their Europa League play-off first leg.
The result marks Forest’s largest-ever away win in European competition. Goals from Murillo, Igor Jesus, and captain Morgan Gibbs-White secured the victory, maintaining Pereira’s career record of never losing his first game in charge across 15 different clubs.
“I asked them to express themselves,” Pereira told TNT Sports. “They need organisation and confidence. If they enjoy the way they are playing, they can reach a high level.”
The win provides a massive boost for a Forest side currently sitting 17th in the Premier League. Captain Gibbs-White praised the immediate impact of the new boss, stating the team already feels a “real identity.”
Forest host the second leg at the City Ground on Thursday, February 26, with the winner set to face either Midtjylland or Real Betis in the Round of 16.
