Nervy Forest reach Europa League last 16 after 1-2 defeat by Fenerbahce (4-2 agg)

Nottingham Forest progressed to the europa league last 16 despite losing 1-2 at home to Fenerbahce, with Callum Hudson-Odoi’s sixth goal of the season settling a tie that briefly threatened to unravel.

Europa League knockout thriller at the City Ground

Nervy scenes unfolded after Kerem Akturkoglu struck twice to put Forest under real pressure; his goals, including a second-half penalty, made the tie tense after Forest’s 3-0 advantage from the first leg. Hudson-Odoi’s low finish, one of Forest’s half-time substitutes, restored calm with a strike 22 minutes from the end that sealed progression on aggregate.

Akturkoglu’s double and the quick penalty

Forest were caught on the break on 22 minutes when Akturkoglu fired in, and the hosts struggled to regain control as Elliot Anderson went close with a shot that drifted wide. Jair Cunha conceded a penalty just 25 seconds after the restart when he tripped Akturkoglu; the striker converted the spot-kick to increase Fenerbahce’s threat.

Pereira’s rotations and the Brighton focus

Vitor Pereira made six changes after Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool and then made four further changes at half-time, withdrawing James McAtee and Ryan Yates who were described as ineffective. Pereira said, "We move forward - I'm happy, we played under pressure. It was like a thriller - with suspense, " and added that he had taken the risk of six changes because he needed to think about the Brighton game on Sunday.

Late chances, a denied equaliser and Fenerbahce’s reaction

Omari Hutchinson ran clean through late on but was denied by Tarik Cetin, missing a chance to level the match at 2-2 on the night. Fenerbahce coach Domenico Tedesco said, "We are proud of the way we played, with personality and belief, " and conceded that his side had lost qualification at home, noting that Forest had changed their coach a few days before which had an effect. Tedesco added, "We have to accept we are out of the competition but at least with our heads up. "

What’s next: opponents and context

Forest will face either FC Midtjylland or Real Betis in the next round of the europa league; Midtjylland beat Forest in October and that result contributed to Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal, while Forest drew 2-2 away to Real Betis during the league phase. Pereira emphasised the club’s dual focus, saying, "We have ambition in the Europa League, it is to move forward to the next stage. We are not comfortable in the table in the Premier League and this is very important for us, to get the points to avoid a difficult situation. "

Given the theatrical nature of Nottingham Forest’s season, it was not a surprise Fenerbahce made things uncomfortable, but Hudson-Odoi’s goal — his sixth of the season — ensured Forest advanced despite what Pereira called a "sloppy and tentative" performance.

Forest’s next confirmed fixture is the Premier League trip to Brighton on Sunday, while the club awaits confirmation of whether Midtjylland or Real Betis will be their Europa League last-16 opponent.