Nottingham Forest Thrash Fenerbahçe 3-0 in Europa League.A Dream Debut for Vítor Pereira: Forest's Stunning Away Triumph.
On Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in Istanbul, Nottingham Forest delivered a commanding performance that will live long in the memory of their supporters.
In the first leg of the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-offs, the Premier League side dismantled Turkish giants Fenerbahçe 3-0, marking an emphatic start for new head coach Vítor Pereira. The Portuguese tactician, appointed just days earlier following Sean Dyche's dismissal, oversaw a display of confidence, intensity, and clinical finishing that handed Forest their biggest-ever away win in European competition.
This result puts Forest firmly in the driving seat ahead of the second leg at the City Ground on February 26 (20:00 GMT). The winners of the tie will advance to the round of 16 to face either Midtjylland or Real Betis. For a club that has endured a turbulent domestic season, including multiple managerial changes, this European masterclass provided a much-needed boost and a glimpse of what could be possible under Pereira's guidance.
Fenerbahçe, unbeaten in their 22 Turkish Super Lig games this season prior to this match, were left shell-shocked. Their star-studded lineup, featuring players with Premier League pedigree like N'Golo Kanté, Matteo Guendouzi, Marco Asensio, and Talisca, failed to impose themselves. The home side suffered their heaviest home defeat in three years, with the Şükrü Saracoğlu crowd falling silent as the game progressed.
This result puts Forest firmly in the driving seat ahead of the second leg at the City Ground on February 26 (20:00 GMT). The winners of the tie will advance to the round of 16 to face either Midtjylland or Real Betis. For a club that has endured a turbulent domestic season, including multiple managerial changes, this European masterclass provided a much-needed boost and a glimpse of what could be possible under Pereira's guidance.
Fenerbahçe, unbeaten in their 22 Turkish Super Lig games this season prior to this match, were left shell-shocked. Their star-studded lineup, featuring players with Premier League pedigree like N'Golo Kanté, Matteo Guendouzi, Marco Asensio, and Talisca, failed to impose themselves. The home side suffered their heaviest home defeat in three years, with the Şükrü Saracoğlu crowd falling silent as the game progressed.
Pre-Match Context: Stakes High in Istanbul
The knockout round play-offs represent a crucial juncture in the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League campaign. After the league phase, teams like Forest and Fenerbahçe entered this two-legged tie to secure a spot in the last 16. Forest, having qualified through their Premier League position or earlier rounds, arrived in Turkey amid uncertainty following Dyche's exit. Pereira, who previously managed Fenerbahçe in 2021, brought fresh ideas and a message of freedom: "Express yourselves."
Fenerbahçe, managed by a coach aiming to build on domestic dominance, boasted a formidable squad. However, the hostile atmosphere they usually thrive on never materialized against a disciplined and adventurous Forest side.
Attendance: 39,840. The match kicked off under floodlights, with Forest in their classic red kits and Fenerbahçe in yellow and navy.
First Half: Murillo Strikes, Jesus Doubles the Lead
Forest started brightly, pressing high and disrupting Fenerbahçe's build-up. The breakthrough came in the 21st minute. Central defender Murillo, returning to the lineup after missing Dyche's final games, received a pass from Elliot Anderson in midfield. The Brazilian surged forward, evading challenges before unleashing a powerful 20-yard strike. The ball took a slight deflection off Milan Škriniar and zipped past goalkeeper Ederson into the bottom right corner.
Murillo's goal, his fourth for Forest and a long-awaited moment for the shot-happy defender, ignited the traveling 1,200 Forest fans. "He's been trying to score one like that for two and a half seasons," supporters noted online.
Fenerbahçe responded sporadically. Talisca's effort struck Murillo's arm, prompting penalty appeals, but VAR confirmed no handball. Aside from that, the hosts struggled for possession and creativity.
Forest doubled their advantage just before halftime in the 43rd minute. A corner was flicked on at the near post by Morgan Gibbs-White, and Igor Jesus rose to head home from close range. It was Jesus' seventh Europa League goal of the season, breaking Garry Birtles' club record of six in a single European campaign (set during Forest's 1979 European Cup triumph).
Half-time: Fenerbahçe 0-2 Nottingham Forest. The visitors had dominated, with Ibrahim Sangare and Elliot Anderson providing a solid midfield base.
Second Half: Gibbs-White Seals It, Forest Cruise
Any thoughts of Forest sitting back vanished five minutes after the restart. In the 50th minute, roles reversed: Jesus turned provider, threading a pass to Gibbs-White, who tapped in from close range for the third goal. The England midfielder's finish capped a swift counter and ensured a comfortable cushion.
Forest's intensity never waned. Murillo was commanding at the back, while the attack showed genuine cutting edge—unlike recent domestic displays, such as the 0-0 draw with Wolves. Pereira rotated wisely, substituting key men like Jesus, Anderson, and Gibbs-White late on to preserve them for Sunday's Premier League clash against Liverpool.
Fenerbahçe pushed for a consolation but found no way through. Ederson made routine saves, but the damage was done. Full-time: Fenerbahçe 0-3 Nottingham Forest.
Key Events and Goal Scorers21' – Goal: Murillo (Nottingham Forest) – Assisted by Elliot Anderson. A surging run and deflected strike.
43' – Goal: Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest) – Assisted by Morgan Gibbs-White. Near-post header from a corner.
50' – Goal: Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest) – Assisted by Igor Jesus. Clinical finish on the counter.
No cards or major incidents disrupted the flow. Forest's discipline was exemplary.
Player Ratings and Standouts
Player of the Match: Murillo (Nottingham Forest) – Average rating 8.95 (BBC users). A rock at the back and goalscorer—commanding presence.
Other notables:Morgan Gibbs-White: Creative spark, assist and goal.
Igor Jesus: Seventh European goal, excellent link-up play.
Elliot Anderson and Ibrahim Sangare: Strong midfield platform.
Fenerbahçe lows:Ederson (GK): 5.21
N'Golo Kanté: 4.30
Marco Asensio: 3.98
Forest outclassed their opponents in every department.
Post-Match Reactions
Vítor Pereira: "The team played a fantastic game. I told them to express themselves, and they did. We did a great job." He praised the players' quality and identity.
Morgan Gibbs-White: "We had a real identity tonight. The message from the gaffer hit home."
Murillo: "That goal was amazing. I've been waiting for it a long time."
Pereira reflected on facing his former club: "It was special, but the focus was on the win."
Forest fans chanted triumphantly as the home crowd thinned. "Can we play you every week?" echoed around the stadium.
Analysis: What This Means for Both Teams
For Nottingham Forest, this victory is transformative. Amid Premier League relegation worries, European success offers momentum and pride. Pereira's quick impact—after just three training sessions—suggests a brighter future. The 3-0 lead makes qualification highly likely, with the second leg offering a chance to attack further.
Fenerbahçe face an uphill battle. Their unbeaten domestic run ends harshly, exposing vulnerabilities against high-pressing teams. They'll need a miracle in Nottingham.
This match highlighted Forest's potential when playing with freedom. Their away record in Europe improves dramatically, and dreams of a deep run—perhaps even echoing their 1979 and 1980 European Cup glories—feel alive.
Stats snapshot:Forest's biggest away European win.
Igor Jesus breaks club European goals record for a season.
Clean sheet despite pressure.
Dominant possession and shots in key periods.
As Forest return home for Liverpool, then Fenerbahçe's visit, optimism surrounds the City Ground. Pereira's era begins in style.
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