UEFA Europa League
8:00 p.mFebruary 26, 2026
Round of 32
Nottingham Forest*1 – 2
VAT:(0-1)
Added:(4-2)
FenerbahçeCity land
Referee: Maurizio Mariani, Italy
Nottingham Forest
Fenerbahçe
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1.18
Expected Goals (xG)
1.76
Passing by
459 (86%)
Accurate passes
391 (83%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
27
G
Stefan Ortega
6.3
5
d
Murillo
6.3
4
d
purple
7.3
23
d
Jairus
6.2
3
d
Nico Williams
6.6
8
M
Elliot Anderson
6.3
22
M
Ryan Yates (C)
6.5
21
M
Omari Hutchinson
6.9
16
M
Nicolas Domínguez
6.9
24
M
James McAtee
6.7
F
Lorenzo Lucca
40′ missing
13
G
Tarık Çetin
7.3
18
d
Because Müldür
6.9
6
d
Matteo Guendouzi
7.7
14
d
Yiğit Efe Demir
6.6
3
M
Archie Brown
7.0
5
M
İsmail Yüksek (C)
6.6
17
M
N’Golo Kanté
7.7
70
M
Oguz Aydin
6.9
45
M
Dorgeles Nene
6.6
F
Kerem Aktürkoğlu
22′
48′
F
Sidiki Cherif
22′
UEFA Europa League Ranking – UEFA Europa League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Europa League (Play Off: Round of 16)
- Promotion – Europa League (Play Off: 1/16 final)
Fenerbahçe secured a vital 2-1 win away to Nottingham Forest, with a stunning Kerem Aktürkoğlu brace proving decisive at the City Ground.
Fenerbahçe left the City Ground with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest in their UEFA Europa League clash. A double from Kerem Aktürkoğlu secured victory for the visitors. Callum Hudson-Odoi scored a consolation goal for Forest.
Nottingham Forest went into the match looking to improve their European fortunes. They had drawn and lost their first two games in the group stage. Fenerbahçe, with a win and a loss, tried to consolidate their position in the competitive group. The atmosphere was expectant on a cold February afternoon.
The first exchanges were cautious. Both teams looked for openings without creating clear chances. Fenerbahçe settled into the match, controlling periods of possession. His measured approach paid off.
The visitors broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute. Sidiki Cherif set up Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who calmly slotted the ball past the Forest keeper. The goal gave Fenerbahçe a deserved lead.
Nottingham Forest struggled to find their rhythm. Their attacking efforts were often thwarted by a resolute Fenerbahçe defence. Forest’s frustrations were evident when L. Lucca was booked for a foul in the 40th minute. Fenerbahçe held on to the lead at the break.
With a single goal down, manager Forest made four changes at half-time. These bold tactical moves signaled a clear intent to shift the momentum. Fenerbahçe, however, looked comfortable in their lead and were ready for the second half.
The second half started disastrously for the home side. Just three minutes after the restart, Fenerbahçe were awarded a penalty. Aktürkoğlu stepped forward and confidently delivered the spot kick in the 48th minute, securing his second goal of the night.
Forest’s multiple substitutions included replacing James McAtee, Murillo and L. Lucca. These fresh legs added urgency to his game. They climbed higher up the pitch in search of an answer.
The home side’s persistence paid off in the 68th minute as Ola Aina made a pinpoint pass, finding Callum Hudson-Odoi, who headed in Forest’s first goal. This halved the deficit and re-ignited the City Ground crowd.
With the score at 2-1, Forest pressed hard for an equaliser. Fenerbahçe, however, defended resolutely. Midfield dynamo N’Golo Kanté was influential in stifling Forest’s late attacks. The visitors held on for a decisive away win.
Although Forest dominated possession with 54%, Fenerbahçe’s attacking threat was more potent. The visitors recorded an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.76, beating Forest’s 1.18. Both teams had four shots on goal, highlighting the goaltending night. Kerem Aktürkoğlu was the star with his two goals and a grade of 8.0.
This hard-fought win significantly strengthens Fenerbahçe’s UEFA Europa League campaign. For Nottingham Forest, the defeat leaves them with just one point from three matches, making their path to the last 16 very difficult.
