Fenerbahçe eliminated despite 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest
fenerbahçe won the UEFA Europa League last 16 play-off second leg 2-1 at Nottingham Forest's City Ground but exited the competition after a 3-0 home defeat in the first leg left the aggregate score 4-2 in Nottingham's favour. The result ends the club's European campaign despite a spirited comeback in England.
Fenerbahçe fightback powered by Kerem Aktürkoğlu
Kerem Aktürkoğlu put the visitors ahead on 22 minutes and converted a penalty on 48 minutes to complete a brace in the match. The 27-year-old started his ninth Europa League match in the first 11 and his two goals in Nottingham were his sixth in the competition. Kerem also has four league goals and one in the Super Cup this season, bringing his total for the campaign to 11 goals. After the match Kerem said they demonstrated that they would not give up.
Penalty came after Jair Cunha foul; referee Mariani involved in decisive moment
The penalty was awarded when Jair Cunha brought down Kerem inside the area in the 46th minute and referee Mariani pointed to the spot. Kerem stepped up and scored from the spot on 48 minutes. Earlier, on 45+1, Kante slipped a pass behind the defence to Kerem, who back‑heeled to Sidiki Cherif; Cherif's shot was then pushed away by Nottingham goalkeeper Ortega.
Early and late chances: Anderson, Hutchinson and Williams in the frame
Nottingham threatened throughout: Anderson cut in to the byline and crossed on 12 minutes before Fenerbahçe players cleared the danger, and a Hutchinson pass set Anderson away again on 24 minutes but his close‑angle shot went narrowly wide. At 22 minutes, Sidiki Cherif's right‑side cross was not cleared by Williams and Kerem controlled the loose ball to finish past Ortega.
Nottingham reply, aggregate and progression
Ola Aina delivered a cross from the right on 68 minutes and Callum Hudson‑Odoi finished at the back post to make it 1-2. That goal, combined with Nottingham's 3-0 win in the first leg, gave Nottingham Forest a 4-2 aggregate victory and a place in the Europa League last 16. Tedesco's side won the match but did not overturn the overall deficit and Fenerbahçe's European run ended.
Tarık Çetin's saves and post‑match remarks on injuries and support
Tarık Çetin produced several key saves, denying Igor Jesus in a one‑on‑one at 79 minutes and stopping Hutchinson in a similar situation at 89 minutes. After the game Tarık said the squad carried many injured players into the trip, that they took the field to enjoy the match and fought with dedication despite absences, and that after going 2-0 up they honestly believed they could turn the tie. He congratulated his teammates, highlighted the fans' support until the last minute and said he worked extra in training to close gaps after a long spell without regular playing time.
Injuries, halftime changes and a 17‑year‑old debut
Dorgeles Nene could not finish the game after taking a blow in the 18th minute and then suffering another problem at 43 minutes; he continued briefly before being replaced at half‑time by Nelson Semedo. Young forward Alaettin Ekici, 17, made his first European appearance when he came on in the 76th minute for Sidiki Cherif; Ekici has also featured this season in the Ziraat Türkiye Kupası.
An accompanying match note in one report flagged that a link in its coverage would redirect to an outside site.
