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This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
Fenerbahçe will face England’s representative Nottingham Forest in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16 playoff. The match will be played on Thursday 19 February at 20:45 at the Chobani Stadium. The return leg will take place in England on 26 February. The winner of this tie will face either Denmark’s representative Midtjylland or Spain’s representative Real Betis in the next round.
Fenerbahçe finished the league phase in 19th place with 12 points from eight matches, recording three wins three draws and two losses. Nottingham Forest earned 14 points from four wins two draws and two losses to finish in 13th place.
With the match against Nottingham Forest Fenerbahçe will play their 299th match in European competitions. In the previous 298 matches they recorded 117 wins 65 draws and 116 losses scoring 407 goals and conceding 419.
Fenerbahçe-Nottingham Forest match infographic (AA)
In competitions under the name UEFA Europa League Fenerbahçe have played 102 matches achieving 49 wins 31 draws and 22 losses scoring 146 goals and conceding 103.
During the UEFA Cup era Fenerbahçe played 156 matches with 67 wins 41 draws and 48 losses scoring 218 goals and conceding 194.
At home in European competitions Fenerbahçe have played 148 matches achieving 76 wins 33 draws and 39 losses scoring 216 goals and conceding 141.
Since their defeat to Dynamo Kyiv in the 2022-2023 season Fenerbahçe have played 28 European matches at home suffering only four losses with 18 wins and six draws.
Over the last four seasons the team has advanced past the group stage and reached the quarterfinals once and the round of 16 twice. This season they have advanced to the round of 16 by qualifying for the playoff.
Domenico Tedesco (AA)
Domenico Tedesco stated that due to the opponent’s change of head coach their analysis focused on player performances. He noted that tactical adjustments are possible and that the team has prepared for both a four-man and a three-man defensive system.
He added that Nottingham Forest players under their new coach will be motivated to prove themselves and that this could raise their level of motivation. He highlighted the quality of the midfield and emphasized that principles and player comfort on the pitch are more decisive than formations.
He confirmed that Archie Brown will be in the squad but is expected to play limited minutes. He noted that Levent Mercan needs more time to recover and that Edson Alvarez will be absent from the team for several weeks following surgery.
Mert Müldür emphasized the importance of being ready and stated that team cohesion reflects in performance.
Vitor Pereira (AA)
In his pre-match press conference Vitor Pereira stated that his team must play with courage and organization. He noted that comprehensive tactical changes within two days are not feasible and stressed the importance of delivering a clear and simple message.
He said the team is in the early stages of a new beginning and that players are eager to demonstrate their qualities under the new head coach. He emphasized the process of building identity and stated that players embracing the defined playing philosophy will be decisive in achieving their goals.
He highlighted that Fenerbahçe’s home atmosphere is highly energetic and that his players enjoy such environments. He stressed that courage will be essential to compete effectively in this setting and viewed the match as an opportunity to showcase the team’s quality.
He confirmed that Murillo has returned to training and may be included in the squad. He added that Stefan Ortega has been included in the Europa League squad and that Matz Sels’s injury is not long-term.
Edson Alvarez will not be available due to injury. Archie Brown will not be risked.
Nelson Semedo and Oğuz Aydın are each one yellow card away from suspension. If they receive a card they will miss the return leg.
The match will be officiated by Swiss referee Sandro Scharer. His assistants will be Stephane De Almeida and Jonas Erni. The fourth official will be Anojen Kanagasingam.
Swiss referee Sandro Scharer (AA)
This match marks Fenerbahçe’s 299th appearance in European competitions and represents one of the significant milestones in the club’s history. The overall European performance statistics home match records current squad status and statements from both head coaches collectively form the broader context ahead of the encounter.
In the first leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16 play-off, Fenerbahçe hosted Nottingham Forest at the Chobani Stadium on 19 February 2026 and the match ended 3-0 in favor of the English side.
Domenico Tedesco (left) and Vitor Pereira (right) (AA)
The goals were scored by Murillo in the 21st minute, Igor Jesus in the 43rd minute and Morgan Gibbs-White in the 50th minute.
The return leg is scheduled to be played in England on Thursday 26 February.
Ederson, Semedo, Skriniar (substituted in the 26th minute by Çağlar Söyüncü), Oosterwolde, Mert Müldür (substituted in the 46th minute by Levent Mercan), Guendouzi, Kante (substituted in the 76th minute by Fred), Asensio, Talisca (substituted in the 61st minute by İsmail Yüksek), Kerem Aktürkoğlu (substituted in the 46th minute by Nene), Cherif.
Ortega, Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams, Anderson (substituted in the 67th minute by Dominguez), Sangare, Hudson-Odoi (substituted in the 83rd minute by McAtee), Gibbs-White (substituted in the 67th minute by Yates), Hutchinson (substituted in the 61st minute by Ndoye), Igor Jesus (substituted in the 61st minute by Lucca).
Fenerbahçe-Nottingham Forest starting lineups (AA)
The first significant chance of the match came in the 19th minute in favor of Fenerbahçe. From a corner on the right flank, Asensio delivered the ball and Mert Müldür headed it over the crossbar.
In the 21st minute, Nottingham Forest took the lead. Murillo won the ball in midfield, played a one-two with Anderson, advanced into the penalty area and fired a powerful shot from distance that flew past Ederson’s left hand into the net.
Fenerbahçe-Nottingham Forest first half (AA)
In the 28th minute, Ederson saved Gibbs-White’s header from a cross inside the penalty area by Hutchinson. In the 38th minute, Anderson’s free kick fell to Igor Jesus but his follow-up shot went wide.
In the 43rd minute, Nottingham Forest doubled their lead. From a left-sided corner, Anderson delivered the ball to the near post and Gibbs-White headed it back across goal where Igor Jesus finished from close range. The first half ended 2-0 to Nottingham Forest.
Early in the second half, Fenerbahçe created a promising chance in the 46th minute. After a long ball from Çağlar Söyüncü behind the defense, Cherif entered the penalty area and shot, but Ortega pushed the ball onto the post.
Fenerbahçe-Nottingham Forest second half (AA)
In the 50th minute, Nottingham Forest scored their third goal. A long ball from midfield found Igor Jesus as he entered the penalty area; he immediately passed to Gibbs-White, whose sliding shot slipped between Ederson’s legs and into the net.
In the 69th minute, Ortega saved Asensio’s heel flick from a Semedo cross. In the 70th minute, Ederson parried a shot from Hudson-Odoi onto the post.
In the 84th minute, Dominguez’s shot from inside the penalty area went over the crossbar. In the 90+2nd minute, Ederson made a last-ditch save to push Williams’ long-range shot onto the post. The match ended 3-0 in favor of Nottingham Forest.
Fenerbahçe’s Milan Skriniar was substituted in the 26th minute after suffering an injury in the 23rd minute, with Çağlar Söyüncü replacing him.
Jayden Oosterwolde received a yellow card in the 69th minute and Fred received one in the 90+1st minute, leaving both suspended for the return leg.
After the match, head coach Domenico Tedesco stated that Skriniar’s injury appeared serious.
According to official match data, Fenerbahçe had 56.7 percent possession compared to Nottingham Forest’s 43.3 percent. In terms of shots, Nottingham Forest recorded 23 to Fenerbahçe’s 6, and in shots on target, Forest had 7 compared to Fenerbahçe’s 2.
Nottingham Forest head coach Vitor Pereira, in his post-match remarks, credited the victory to the players and supporters and noted that he had only recently taken charge of the team. He highlighted the team’s organization and quality, particularly in the first half.
Vitor Pereira (AA)
Pereira emphasized the need for courage to play in Istanbul’s atmosphere and said his team delivered that message from the first minute. He stressed the importance of mental preparation and warned that the return leg would be difficult.
Fenerbahçe head coach Domenico Tedesco acknowledged that his team lost the physical battles and that this factor overshadowed tactical discussions. He stated that the defeat was a fair result.
Domenico Tedesco (AA)
Tedesco pointed to the physical disparity as decisive, noting that his team focused too early on long balls and failed to maintain sufficient intensity. He emphasized that the absence of Skriniar and Oosterwolde in the return leg in England would pose a major challenge.
With this result, Fenerbahçe now faces the return leg with a significant disadvantage, having suffered three defeats in their bid to reach the round of 16.
Fenerbahçe will face England’s representative Nottingham Forest in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16 play-off. The match will be played on Thursday 19 February at 20:45 at the Chobani Stadium. The return leg will take place in England on 26 February. The winner of this tie will face either Denmark’s representative Midtjylland or Spain’s representative Real Betis in the next round.
Fenerbahçe finished the league phase in 19th place with 12 points from eight matches: three wins three draws and two losses. They earned a place in the play-off. Nottingham Forest finished in 13th place with 14 points from eight matches: four wins two draws and two losses.
With the match against Nottingham Forest Fenerbahçe will play their 299th match in European competitions. In the previous 298 matches they recorded 117 wins 65 draws and 116 defeats scoring 407 goals and conceding 419.
Fenerbahçe-Nottingham Forest match infographic (AA)
In the UEFA Europa League competition they have played 102 matches achieving 49 wins 31 draws and 22 defeats scoring 146 goals and conceding 103.
During the UEFA Cup era they played 156 matches with 67 wins 41 draws and 48 defeats scoring 218 goals and conceding 194.
At home in European competitions Fenerbahçe have played 148 matches recording 76 wins 33 draws and 39 defeats scoring 216 goals and conceding 141.
Since their defeat to Dynamo Kyiv in the 2022-2023 season Fenerbahçe have played 28 European matches at home suffering only four defeats with 18 wins and six draws.
In the last four seasons the club has advanced past the group stage and reached the quarter-finals once and the round of 16 twice. This season they have advanced from the league phase and earned a place in the play-off for the round of 16.
Domenico Tedesco (AA)
Domenico Tedesco stated that due to the opponent’s change of head coach their analysis focused on player performances. He noted that tactical adjustments are possible and that the team has prepared for both a back four and a back three.
He said that under the new head coach Nottingham Forest players will be motivated to prove themselves and that this could boost their performance. He highlighted the quality of the midfield and emphasized that principles and player comfort on the pitch are more decisive than formations.
He confirmed that Archie Brown will be in the squad but is expected to play limited minutes. He added that Levent Mercan needs more time to recover and that Edson Alvarez will be absent for several weeks following surgery.
Mert Müldür emphasized the importance of being ready and noted that team cohesion reflects in performance.
Vitor Pereira (AA)
In his pre-match press conference Vitor Pereira said the team must play with courage and organization. He noted that comprehensive tactical changes cannot be implemented in a short time and stressed the importance of delivering a clear and simple message within two days.
He stated that the team is in the early stages of a new beginning and that players will be eager to demonstrate their qualities under the new head coach. He emphasized the importance of building identity and said that players embracing the defined playing philosophy will be decisive in achieving their goals.
He described Fenerbahçe’s home atmosphere as highly energetic and said the players enjoy such environments and must compete with courage in this setting. He viewed the match as an opportunity to showcase the team’s quality.
He confirmed that Murillo has returned to training and is available for selection. He added that Stefan Ortega has been included in the Europa League squad and that Matz Sels’ injury is not long-term.
Edson Alvarez will not be available due to injury. Archie Brown will not be risked.
Nelson Semedo and Oğuz Aydın are each one yellow card away from suspension. If they receive a card they will miss the return leg.
The match will be officiated by Swiss referee Sandro Scharer. His assistant referees will be Stephane De Almeida and Jonas Erni. The fourth official will be Anojen Kanagasingam.
Swiss referee Sandro Scharer (AA)
This match represents one of the significant milestones in the club’s history as it will be Fenerbahçe’s 299th match in European competitions. The overall European performance statistics home match records current squad status and statements from both head coaches form the broader context ahead of the encounter.
Fenerbahçe faced Nottingham Forest away in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16 play-off. Having lost the first leg in Istanbul 3-0, Fenerbahçe defeated their opponent 2-1 in the return match; however, they were eliminated from the tournament with a 4-2 aggregate score.
Fenerbahçe starting eleven (AA)
Ortega, Hutchinson, Cunha, Murillo (46' Ola Aina), Morato, Williams, Dominguez (84' Gibbs-White), Yates (46' Sangare), Anderson, McAtee (46' Hudson-Odoi), Lucca (46' Jesus)
Tarık Çetin, Mert Müldür, Guendouzi, Yiğit Efe Demir, Brown (76' Levent Mercan), İsmail Yüksek, Kante, Oğuz Aydın (63' Asensio), Nene (46' Semedo), Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Cherif (76' Alaettin Ekici)
Nottingham Forest vs Fenerbahçe match (AA)
In the opening phase of the match, Nottingham Forest attempted to create pressure through wide attacks. In the 22nd minute, Fenerbahçe took the lead. After Cherif delivered a cross from the right flank into the penalty area, Williams failed to clear the ball; Kerem Aktürkoğlu controlled it and slotted it past goalkeeper Ortega to give the away team a 1-0 advantage.
After the goal, the home side intensified their offensive efforts in search of an equalizer. Fenerbahçe, meanwhile, looked to extend their lead by playing long balls behind the defense. In stoppage time of the first half (45+1'), Kante sent a pass behind the defense, and Kerem Aktürkoğlu flicked it with his heel to Cherif; however, Ortega blocked Cherif’s shot to prevent a second goal.
The first half ended with Fenerbahçe leading 1-0.
Fenerbahçe doubled their lead just after the restart of the second half. In the 46th minute, Oğuz delivered a pass into the penalty area where Kerem Aktürkoğlu received the ball and was brought down by Morato; referee Maurizio Mariani awarded a penalty.
Nottingham Forest vs Fenerbahçe match (AA)
In the 48th minute, Kerem Aktürkoğlu converted the penalty, shooting past the goalkeeper to the left and making the score 2-0.
In the 50th minute, Nottingham Forest had a clear chance. Cunha’s one-on-one shot was blocked by goalkeeper Tarık Çetin; shortly after, Dominguez’s shot from outside the penalty area went wide.
In the 68th minute, the home side reduced the deficit. After Ola Aina delivered a cross from the right flank, Hudson-Odoi controlled the ball on the left side of the penalty area and fired a low shot into the far corner to make it 2-1.
For the remainder of the match, Nottingham Forest pushed forward in search of an equalizer. In the 79th minute, Tarık Çetin denied Jesus a goal with a strong hand save during a one-on-one situation.
In the 89th minute, Tarık Çetin again prevented a goal, stopping Hudson-Odoi’s one-on-one attempt.
No further goals were scored in the remaining minutes, and Fenerbahçe left the pitch as 2-1 winners.
Following the match, head coach Domenico Tedesco stated that his team delivered a strong performance in the second leg and that the result from the first leg had already determined their elimination. He emphasized that the team played with an offensive system, created numerous goal-scoring opportunities, and believed a second goal could have been scored in the first half.
Tedesco highlighted the importance of Tarık Çetin’s performance, noting that the goalkeeper was prepared and that his display was no surprise. He also praised Alaettin’s potential, Oğuz’s contribution before the second goal, and the team’s adoption of an offensive mindset under the new system.
Tarık Çetin said that despite missing key players, the team fought with determination and believed they could advance after going 2-0 up.
Matteo Guendouzi stated that the result from the first leg led to their elimination and that the performance in the second leg was crucial.
Kerem Aktürkoğlu noted that the 3-0 defeat in the first leg was an undesirable result, but the team never gave up and won the second leg through hard work and determination.
Fenerbahçe will face Nottingham Forest on February 19 at 20:45 at the Chobani Stadium in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16 play-off. The return leg will be played in England on February 26. With this match Fenerbahçe will play their 299th match in European competitions. In the previous 298 matches they have recorded 117 wins 65 draws and 116 defeats scoring 407 goals and conceding 419. The yellow and navy team has played 148 matches in European competitions at Kadıköy achieving 76 wins 33 draws and 39 losses. Domenico Tedesco has stated that they are focusing on player performance and have prepared for different systems due to the opponent’s change in head coach. Vitor Pereira has emphasized that the team must play with courage and organization and is striving to establish a clear playing identity in a short time. The match will be officiated by Swiss referee Sandro Scharer.
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