Fenerbahçe secured a vital 2-1 away victory against Nottingham Forest, with Kerem Aktürkoğlu's impressive double proving decisive at the City Ground.
Fenerbahçe left the City Ground with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest in their UEFA Europa League clash. A double from Kerem Aktürkoğlu sealed the win for the visitors. Callum Hudson-Odoi provided a late consolation goal for Forest.
Nottingham Forest entered the match keen to improve their European fortunes. They had drawn and lost their opening two group stage games. Fenerbahçe, with a win and a loss, sought to solidify their position in the competitive group. The atmosphere was expectant on a chilly February evening.
The early exchanges were cautious. Both teams probed for openings without creating clear opportunities. Fenerbahçe settled into the game, controlling periods of possession. Their measured approach paid off.
The visitors broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute. A slick passing move saw Sidiki Cherif set up Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who calmly slotted the ball past the Forest goalkeeper. The goal gave Fenerbahçe a deserved lead.
Nottingham Forest struggled to find their rhythm. Their attacking efforts were often thwarted by a resolute Fenerbahçe defense. Forest's frustrations were evident when L. Lucca received a yellow card for a foul in the 40th minute. Fenerbahçe maintained their lead into the break.
Trailing by a single goal, Forest manager made four changes at halftime. These bold tactical moves signaled a clear intent to shift the momentum. Fenerbahçe, however, looked comfortable in their lead and were ready for the second half.
The second half began disastrously for the home side. Just three minutes after the restart, Fenerbahçe were awarded a penalty. Aktürkoğlu stepped up and confidently dispatched the spot-kick in the 48th minute, securing his second goal of the night.
Forest’s multiple halftime substitutions included James McAtee, Murillo, and L. Lucca being replaced. These fresh legs added urgency to their play. They pushed higher up the pitch in search of a response.
The home side's persistence paid off in the 68th minute. Ola Aina delivered a precise pass, finding Callum Hudson-Odoi, who guided home Forest’s first goal. This halved the deficit and reignited the City Ground crowd.
With the score at 2-1, Forest pressed intensely for an equalizer. Fenerbahçe, however, defended resolutely. Midfield dynamo N'Golo Kanté was influential in stifling Forest's late attacks. The visitors held on for a crucial away win.
Despite Forest dominating possession with 54%, Fenerbahçe's attacking threat was more potent. The visitors registered an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.76, surpassing Forest's 1.18. Both teams managed four shots on target, highlighting the goalkeepers' testing evening. Kerem Aktürkoğlu was the star performer with his two goals and an 8.0 rating.
This hard-fought victory significantly bolsters Fenerbahçe’s UEFA Europa League campaign. For Nottingham Forest, the defeat leaves them with just one point from three matches, making their path to the knockout stages much harder.
