Vitor Pereira makes a perfect start as Nottingham Forest secure a record 3-0 away win over Fenerbahce, taking control of their Europa League tie.
Nottingham Forest made a powerful statement in Europe as they swept aside Fenerbahce 3-0 in Istanbul. It marked a perfect competitive debut for new head coach Vitor Pereira, appointed only days earlier. Forest played with confidence and clarity from the opening whistle. The result was their biggest ever away win in European competition.
The atmosphere inside the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium was hostile early on, but Forest handled it calmly. They pressed aggressively and moved the ball quickly through midfield. Fenerbahce struggled to settle and rarely threatened in the opening exchanges. Forest’s intent was clear from the first ten minutes.
The breakthrough arrived in the 21st minute through Murillo. The defender surged forward from deep and unleashed a low strike from distance. The shot skipped beyond goalkeeper Ederson and into the bottom corner. It silenced the home crowd and rewarded Forest’s early dominance.
Fenerbahce appealed for a penalty soon after when Talisca’s effort struck Murillo’s arm. A VAR check followed, but the decision stayed with the on-field call. That moment proved pivotal as Forest regained control immediately. They continued to dictate play and limit the hosts to hopeful long balls.
Forest’s pressure told again two minutes before half time. Elliot Anderson’s corner was flicked on by Morgan Gibbs White. Igor Jesus reacted quickest at the far post to nod home from close range. The goal capped a strong first half and left Fenerbahce facing an uphill task.
Jesus’ strike was his seventh of the Europa League campaign. It also set a new club record for goals in a single European season. Forest went into the break with a deserved two goal cushion. The hosts had created little of note.
Any hope of a Fenerbahce response faded early in the second half. Five minutes after the restart, Jesus broke clear and squared for Gibbs White. The Forest captain kept his composure and finished neatly despite losing balance. At 3-0, the tie swung firmly in Forest’s favour.
Forest continued to look threatening on the counter attack. Pereira was able to withdraw key players before the final whistle. The visitors closed out the match with maturity and discipline. Fenerbahce ended the night without a single clear-cut chance.
The statistics reflected Forest’s authority throughout the contest. They registered 23 shots and posted an expected goals figure of 2.86. Fenerbahce managed just six attempts and an xG of 0.48. Forest also dominated possession in the final third.
Murillo impressed at both ends of the pitch. Gibbs White dictated tempo and linked play effectively. Jesus combined relentless pressing with clinical finishing. Pereira’s message of expression and organisation was immediately evident.
Forest return to domestic action on Sunday with a Premier League clash against Liverpool. Attention then shifts back to Europe when they host Fenerbahce at the City Ground on 26 February. The winners will face either Real Betis or Midtjylland in the last 16. Forest now stand on the brink of another famous European night.
