Nottingham Forest vs. Fenerbahçe: Reds Aim to Seal Round of 16 Spot at City Ground
NOTTINGHAM, February 26, 2026 – Nottingham Forest welcomes Turkish giants Fenerbahçe to the City Ground tonight for the second leg of their UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off, holding a commanding three-goal advantage.
Match Overview
The “Tricky Trees” enter this evening’s fixture in a dominant position following a clinical 3-0 victory in the first leg held in Istanbul on February 19, 2026. That match marked a dream debut for new head coach Vitor Pereira, who returned to face his former club and secured the win through goals from Murillo, Igor Jesus, and Morgan Gibbs-White.
Fenerbahçe arrives in England struggling for form, having followed their European defeat with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Kasımpaşa in domestic play. The Turkish side must overcome a massive aggregate deficit to keep their European ambitions alive, while Forest looks to utilize their home advantage to confirm progress to the Round of 16.
Current Form and Tactical Outlook
Nottingham Forest
Under Pereira, Forest has shown immediate defensive improvement, a trend they hope to continue tonight. Despite a heavy summer investment of approximately $4,150,000,000 MXN (£180m), the team had struggled for consistency earlier in the season. However, their recent European performance suggests a turning point in tactical organization.
Fenerbahçe
The visitors are currently on a two-game winless streak across all competitions. Their offensive output has been questioned after failing to find the net in the first leg at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium. They will likely need an early goal tonight to unsettle the Nottingham crowd and create pressure on the Forest backline.
Key Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Competition | UEFA Europa League 2025/26 |
| First Leg Result | Fenerbahçe 0-3 Nottingham Forest |
| Aggregate Score | 3-0 (Nottingham Forest leading) |
| Venue | City Ground, Nottingham |
| Forest Head Coach | Vitor Pereira |
| First Leg Scorers | Murillo, Igor Jesus, Morgan Gibbs-White |
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is kick-off for Nottingham Forest vs. Fenerbahçe?
The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 PM local time (GMT) at the City Ground on February 26, 2026.
What was the result of the first leg?
Nottingham Forest won the first leg 3-0 in Istanbul on February 19, 2026.
Who scored the goals in the first leg?
The goals were scored by defender Murillo, striker Igor Jesus, and midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.
Does the away goals rule apply?
No, UEFA abolished the away goals rule for all club competitions. If the aggregate score is level after 90 minutes of the second leg, the match will go to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout.
How can I watch the match in Mexico?
The UEFA Europa League is typically broadcast via FOX Sports or ESPN/Disney+ in the Mexican market. Check local listings for specific channel assignments for the 2:00 PM CST kick-off.