Nottingham Forest edged past Fenerbahce to secure their place in the Europa League last 16, advancing 4-2 on aggregate despite a 2-1 defeat at the City Ground in the second leg.
The Premier League side had looked comfortable after a commanding 3-0 win in last week’s first leg in Istanbul, but a stunning start from the Turkish visitors put Forest under real pressure.
Kerem Aktürkoglu’s early double had Fenerbahce 2-0 up, sparking hopes of one of European football’s great comebacks.
The match got off to a chaotic start as Forest players had to dodge fireworks from sections of the 1,500-strong away support, causing a three-minute stoppage immediately after kick-off.
Fenerbahce made the most of the disruption, taking the lead in the 22nd minute. Sidiki Cherif broke down the right flank and delivered a precise pass to Akturkoglu, who finished clinically past Stefan Ortega.
Forest responded instantly through Elliot Anderson, but his shot from a tight angle went just wide.
The first half saw Forest struggle, despite featuring six changes from their weekend clash with Liverpool.
Fenerbahce created several chances, with Cherif and Akturkoglu both squandering opportunities to extend their lead.
Forest boss Vitor Pereira reshuffled at half-time, introducing Igor Jesus, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ola Aina, and Ibrahim Sangaré to regain control.
Fenerbahce struck again almost immediately when Jair Cunha fouled Akturkoglu in the box, allowing the striker to convert the resulting penalty for his second goal.
However, Forest finally steadied the ship. In the 68th minute, Aina delivered a pinpoint cross to Hudson-Odoi at the far post, and the winger’s low strike put Forest back in command of the tie.
The hosts had further chances to seal the victory in style, with Jesus and Omari Hutchinson both denied by Fenerbahce goalkeeper Tarik Cetin, but the damage was done.
Despite losing on the night, Forest’s 4-2 aggregate win was enough to see them through, and they now await the winner of the Real Betis versus FC Midtjylland tie in Friday’s draw.
