“Ex-Benfica stands out as Vítor Pereira secures the Europa League round of 16.”

Nottingham Forest, under the management of Vítor Pereira, experienced an emotional rollercoaster in their latest match of the UEFA Europa League. Despite losing at home to Fenerbahçe 1-2, the English side secured the much-desired qualification for the round of 16, thanks to the robust advantage they established in the first leg, where they won 3-0. The tension in the second leg was palpable, with fans holding their breath until the final whistle.

Kerem Akturkoglu, who transferred from Benfica to Fenerbahçe in the summer of 2025, stood out as the star of the night. The player was a starter and had a significant impact on the game. Former target of the Eagles, Lorenzo Lucca, nearly opened the scoring for Nottingham, but goalkeeper Tarik Cetin made a spectacular save in the 15th minute, keeping hope alive for the visitors.

The match began with Nottingham controlling the pace, but Fenerbahçe responded explosively in the 22nd minute. Sidiki Cherif made a brilliant play down the right flank, finding Akturkoglu positioned in the center of the box. The player did not hesitate and scored the first goal of the night, reigniting the tie at City Ground.

Akturkoglu, who had a promising start, found himself frustrated when he missed a great opportunity to score the second goal, shooting wide after a quick move from Fenerbahçe. Coach Domenico Tedesco did not hide his disappointment, but the player redeemed himself in the second half. Vítor Pereira made four substitutions at halftime, but it was the team that the coach previously managed that shone again.

Right at the beginning of the second half, Akturkoglu was brought down in the box by Jair Cunha, resulting in a penalty that he himself converted in the 49th minute, increasing the pressure on the hosts. Tedesco, in search of the third goal that would level the tie, brought on Nélson Semedo and Marco Asensio, but Nottingham managed to hold onto their lead.

The turnaround in the match continued when, in the 68th minute, Aina and Hudson-Odoi, who had come on at halftime, combined for Nottingham’s goal. The 25-year-old winger, with a precise angled shot, brought hope to the home fans. However, in the final minutes, the English side failed to capitalize, with Igor Jesus and Omari Hutchinson missing crucial chances in front of the opposing goalkeeper.

Although defeated, Vítor Pereira’s men secured their passage to the round of 16, where they will face Betis or Midtjylland. In this vibrant scenario, Vítor Pereira and Paulo Fonseca from Lyon remain the only Portuguese coaches still in the hunt for European glory. Nottingham Forest’s journey in Europe continues, but the pressure is far from over.