Nottingham Forest progressed to the Europa League last 16 for the first time in 30 years, despite a nervy 2-1 second-leg defeat to Fenerbahçe at the City Ground.
Holding a 3-0 lead from the first leg, Vitor Pereira’s side nearly collapsed after Kerem Akturkoglu struck twice—once from the penalty spot—to bring the aggregate score to 3-2.
However, half-time substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi settled the tie in the 68th minute, slotting home a low finish to secure a 4-2 aggregate victory.
Pereira, who made six changes with an eye on Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash at Brighton, admitted the match was a “thriller with suspense.”
While the performance was sloppy, the result provides a vital morale boost for Forest as they continue their domestic fight against relegation.
