February 19, (THEWILL) — Igor Jesus was again among the goalscorers as Nottingham Forest defeated Fenerbahce 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League play-off tie, giving Vitor Pereira a winning start in his opening match as Forest manager.
Murillo broke the deadlock in the 21st minute with a goal of considerable quality, dribbling through the Fenerbahce defence before firing into the bottom-right corner from distance. The hosts had gone close moments prior through Mert Muldur, who headed over, and later saw a penalty appeal dismissed following a VAR review after the ball struck Murillo’s arm, which officials determined was by his side.
Jesus then extended Forest’s lead before the interval, heading in from a yard out after Morgan Gibbs-White flicked on a corner. The Brazilian returned the favour shortly after the restart, squaring for Gibbs-White, who steered his shot through the goalkeeper’s legs despite losing his footing in the process.
Fenerbahce’s Marco Asensio offered a brief threat with a flicked effort that was comfortably dealt with, while at the other end Callum Hudson-Odoi was denied by Ederson. Pereira was afforded the opportunity to withdraw key players with time remaining, a luxury that reflected the scale of Forest’s dominance throughout the contest.
Forest now carry a three-goal lead into the second leg at the City Ground, leaving Fenerbahce requiring a significant turnaround to progress to the last 16 of the competition.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
