Nottingham Forest has successfully secured a place in the last 16 of the Europa League by defeating Fenerbahçe on aggregate, despite losing 2-1 at the City Ground in the second leg of their knockout stage. The first leg saw Forest gain a significant advantage with a decisive 3-0 victory in Istanbul, allowing them to progress based on aggregate scores. The return match showcased a competitive spirit from both sides, with Fenerbahçe taking the lead but ultimately failing to overturn the previous scoreline.

In the match, Nottingham Forest started strongly, creating several opportunities to score early. However, it was Fenerbahçe who broke the deadlock with a goal from Attila Szalai, giving them a 1-0 lead at halftime. The second half continued with intensity, and although Forest faced pressure, their first-leg performance ensured they could afford to concede a goal without compromising their advancement. As a result, Forest's aggregate lead solidified their spot in the knockout stages of the tournament.

Looking ahead, Nottingham Forest will face either FC Midtjylland or Real Betis in the next round, with the draw set to occur on Friday. This success marks a significant moment for the club as they continue their European campaign after a long absence from such competitions, and it reflects the increasing competitiveness of English clubs on the continental stage.