Nottingham Forest secured their place in the Europa League last-16 despite a nervy 2-1 home defeat to Fenerbahce on Thursday. The aggregate score of 4-2 saw Vitor Pereira's side through after their 3-0 first-leg win in Istanbul, though the second leg proved far more challenging than expected.

Forest's complacency nearly cost them dearly as Kerem Akturkoglu's brace, including a second-half penalty, gave Fenerbahce hope of a comeback. The Turkish side's confidence grew after the opener in the 22nd minute, with both Akturkoglu and Sidiki Cherif missing golden chances to level the tie. The match was briefly delayed when Fenerbahce fans threw fireworks onto the pitch, forcing players to take evasive action.

Pereira's decision to make four half-time substitutions proved decisive when Callum Hudson-Odoi scored his first European goal of the season. The former Chelsea winger combined with substitute Ola Aina to restore Forest's two-goal aggregate cushion. Despite the unconvincing performance, Forest advance to face either Real Betis or FC Midtjylland in the next round, though Pereira admitted the rotation strategy was partly aimed at preparing for Sunday's Premier League clash with Brighton.