Nottm Forest Vs Fenerbahçe: Nervy Forest Survive Scare But Match Marred by Flares and Arrests

In a tense Europa League playoff second leg, nottm forest vs fenerbahçe ended 1-2 on the night but saw Nottingham Forest progress 4-2 on aggregate. The tie combined late drama on the pitch — Kerem Aktürkoglu’s double and Callum Hudson-Odoi’s decisive strike, his sixth of the season — with off-field disorder that prompted three arrests and multiple stoppages at the City Ground.

Nottm Forest Vs Fenerbahçe: Match events and turning points

The night began explosively: the game was stopped for more than three minutes immediately after kick-off as players had to dodge fireworks thrown onto the pitch from sections of a 1, 500-strong away end. Forest were ultimately caught on a break in the 22nd minute when Sidiki Cherif broke down the right and supplied Kerem Aktürkoglu, who composed himself and finished.

Forest started flat and were fortunate to be only a goal down at half-time. Manager Vitor Pereira made four changes at the break, withdrawing James McAtee and Ryan Yates and introducing Igor Jesus, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ola Aina and Ibrahim Sangaré in an attempt to regain control. Just 25 seconds after the restart Jair Cunha tripped Akturkoglu, who converted the penalty to make it 2-0 on the night and ratchet the tension.

Forest steadied and the match’s decisive moment arrived 22 minutes from time (the 68th minute) when Aina’s cross found Hudson-Odoi at the far post and his low finish sealed progression. Omari Hutchinson later ran clean through but was denied by goalkeeper Tarik Cetin, leaving the final score 1-2 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate.

Scorers, key chances and tactical shifts

• Kerem Aktürkoglu – two goals for Fenerbahçe, including a second-half penalty.
• Callum Hudson-Odoi – the substitute’s low finish was his sixth goal of the season and proved decisive for Forest.
• Notable chances for Forest included an Elliot Anderson effort that went narrowly wide and Omari Hutchinson’s late one-on-one stopped by Tarik Cetin.
• Substitutions: Pereira’s half-time quartet of Igor Jesus, Hudson-Odoi, Ola Aina and Ibrahim Sangaré shifted the game’s momentum.

Manager reactions and squad context

Vitor Pereira acknowledged the pressure of the fixture and defended his squad management, explaining he made six changes following the weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool because the team must balance domestic obligations with European ambition and arrive at the next Premier League match at Brighton with energy. He described the tie as a thriller and accepted the risk of rotation in that context.

Fenerbahçe coach Domenico Tedesco reflected pride in his players’ approach, noting his side had underperformed in the away leg while Forest had overperformed in Turkey and that his team must accept elimination with their heads up.

Next stage: who Forest will face

With progression confirmed, Forest will face either FC Midtjylland or Real Betis in the Europa League last 16. FC Midtjylland were the side that beat Forest in October and precipitated the departure of the previous manager, Ange Postecoglou. Forest previously drew 2-2 away to Real Betis during the league phase.

Disorder at the City Ground: flares, damage and arrests

The fixture was overshadowed by a series of incidents inside the ground. Multiple small flares were lit in the away end and several were thrown onto the pitch, causing delays: one stoppage lasted more than three minutes immediately after kick-off when fireworks were thrown, and the match was delayed for several minutes in the first half while flares on the turf were removed.

Nottinghamshire Police confirmed three arrests linked to incidents at the match: a 37-year-old man was arrested in connection with a flare being thrown from the away end towards the home section; a 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a steward; and a 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of entering the playing area at a designated football match. A section of seating in the away end was also found to be damaged after supporters left at the end of the game.

Police said investigations are ongoing, with officers reviewing available footage to identify anyone involved and appealing for information about the incidents, including reports of pyrotechnic use and criminal damage.

Recent updates indicate this is the latest stage of an evolving situation and details may be added as investigations continue.