Nottm Forest Vs Fenerbahçe: Hudson-Odoi strike sends Forest through amid flare-related arrests
nottm forest vs fenerbahçe ended 2-1 on the night but Nottingham Forest advanced to the Europa League last 16 with a 4-2 aggregate win, a result decided by Callum Hudson-Odoi's second-half goal and shadowed by flare-related incidents that led to three arrests.
How the tie unfolded at the City Ground
On 26 Feb, 2026 Forest fell to a 2-1 defeat at the City Ground but progressed from the Europa League playoff after a 3-0 first-leg win in Istanbul gave them a 4-2 aggregate edge. Kerem Aktürkoglu scored twice for Fenerbahçe, the second from a penalty won when Jair Cunha tripped him 25 seconds after the restart. Hudson-Odoi, one of the half-time substitutes, finished low from Ola Aina's cross in the 68th minute to make it 4-2 on aggregate; it was Hudson-Odoi's sixth goal of the season.
Nottm Forest Vs Fenerbahçe: late goal kills comeback threat
Forest had been under serious pressure after being caught on the break in the 22nd minute when Sidiki Cherif broke down the right and picked out Aktürkoglu, who composed himself and slammed home. The visitors had earlier threatened an extraordinary recovery after that goal, with City Ground nerves rising as Elliot Anderson and others pressed the hosts.
Pereira's rotation and the response
Vitor Pereira made six changes to the side that lost 1-0 to Liverpool on Sunday and said he took the risk to protect the club for the next match. He withdrew James McAtee and Ryan Yates at half-time and introduced Igor Jesus, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ola Aina and Ibrahim Sangaré in an attempt to regain control. Pereira said, "We move forward - I'm happy, we played under pressure. It was like a thriller - with suspense. " He added he had to think about the Brighton game on Sunday when making selection choices.
Flares, a stoppage and three arrests
The match was disrupted by pyrotechnics. The game was stopped for more than three minutes immediately after kick-off when Forest players had to dodge fireworks thrown on to the pitch from sections of an estimated 1, 500-strong away end, and multiple reports say small flares were lit in the away end during the Europa League knockout tie. The throw of flares also caused a delay of several minutes in the first half as objects had to be cleared from the pitch.
Nottinghamshire Police said three people were arrested after a series of incidents during the game. A 37-year-old man was arrested after a flare was reportedly thrown by Fenerbahçe fans towards the home end. A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a steward, and a 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of going onto the playing area at a designated football match. A section of seating in the away end was discovered damaged after fans left the area at the end of the game.
Supt Louise Clarke said the force was investigating a series of reports from the match and was working closely with both clubs. She confirmed one suspect had been arrested in connection with the flares and that separate investigations were ongoing into the other incidents and wider reports of pyrotechnic use and criminal damage, adding that all available footage would be analysed to identify anyone involved.
Fenerbahçe reaction and late chances
Fenerbahçe coach Domenico Tedesco said his team were "proud of the way we played, with personality and belief" and conceded his side must accept they were out of the competition, but would leave with their heads up. Omari Hutchinson had a late run through that could have made the tie level on the night but was denied by Tarik Cetin. 's match account also noted goalkeeper Stefan Ortega was tested at times as Fenerbahçe probed the Forest defence, and that Oguz Aydin and Cherif had other opportunities before and after half-time.
Pereira acknowledged the team had "suffered a bit" during the game but stressed the club's ambition in the Europa League to move forward to the next stage. He pointed out the squad must also contend with Premier League realities and the need to gather points to avoid a difficult situation in the league.
What happens next
Forest will meet either Real Betis or FC Midtjylland in the Europa League last 16; FC Midtjylland beat Forest in October, a result that contributed to Ange Postecoglou's sacking. Forest travel to Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday as Pereira manages a busy schedule and squad rotation between competitions.
