Fenerbahçe - Nottingham Forest: Home defeat 0-3, Skriniar injury and two players hit with suspensions
Fenerbahçe - Nottingham Forest ended in a 0-3 defeat for the home side, a result compounded by a first-half injury to a starting centre back and yellow cards that have left multiple players unavailable for the return tie.
Fenerbahçe - Nottingham Forest: Scoreline and decisive moments
Nottingham Forest converted three opportunities to secure a comprehensive victory. The opener arrived when Murillo carried the ball from midfield into the penalty area and struck from the edge of the box to find the net, putting the visitors ahead. Later, a corner resulted in Igor Jesus finishing the phase by sending the ball into Fenerbahçe's goal, and Gibbs-White added a goal when he finished a one-on-one chance to make the margin emphatic.
The home side had moments of contention, including a penalty appeal after a Talisca shot that was checked by VAR and left unawarded. The manager received a yellow card for his protests during that episode. Several set-piece and wing attacks from Nottingham Forest tested the defensive organization, and the visitors capitalized at critical moments to build a multi-goal lead by halftime and then extend it after the break.
Injury blow to Skriniar and defensive reshuffle
Fenerbahçe suffered a significant setback when Milan Skriniar left the field after being unable to continue following a stoppage in play. Skriniar was replaced by Çağlar Söyüncü at the 26th minute. The extent of Skriniar's problem prompted medical follow-up, with an MRI scheduled for Friday to clarify the severity and determine whether he will be available for the next match.
With Skriniar forced off in the first half, the defensive setup required an immediate reshuffle. That change coincided with periods of pressure from Nottingham Forest that culminated in two goals before the interval, leaving the hosts chasing the game from halftime onward.
Card trouble leaves squad thin ahead of the return
The match also produced disciplinary consequences that will affect squad selection for the return tie. Jayden Oosterwolde was shown a yellow card for dissent in the 69th minute and, as a result, will be suspended for the rematch. Additionally, Fred received a yellow card deep into stoppage time and also moved into a suspended status for the next meeting.
Those bookings, combined with Skriniar's uncertain fitness, create a scenario where Fenerbahçe could be without key defensive resources for the return. The team must now address both personnel and tactical questions in advance of the second leg, with the manager required to weigh options for replacing suspended and potentially injured starters.
As the club assesses medical reports and prepares for the forthcoming fixture, the immediate aftermath of the 0-3 home defeat will focus on recovery, discipline management, and adjustments to a depleted backline.
