Vitor Pereira
Nottingham Forest took a significant step towards advancing in the Europa League after securing a 3-0 victory over Fenerbahce in Istanbul. Goals from Murillo, Igor Jesus, and Morgan Gibbs-White ensured that Forest will return to the City Ground with a healthy advantage for the second leg. The match marked a successful debut for Vitor Pereira, who had only a few days to prepare after replacing Sean Dyche as the club’s head coach.
Vitor Pereira said: “Very happy. Very happy for my players and for the supporters. It was a win by the players and by the supporters, not by the manager. I had just three days to prepare for the match, but they showed their quality. Especially in the first half, they showed their quality and their talent. When I analysed the squad, I accepted the job because I believe in the quality of the players. I believe in the club, the president (owner Evangelos Marinakis) and the supporters. This is about confidence. I said to them, at the end of the game we need to feel proud of ourselves for what we did and what we express. We cannot control the result but we can control the effort.”
Forest demonstrated their intent from the outset, with Murillo setting the tone by scoring a spectacular opener in the 21st minute. The defender’s long-range strike from outside the box left the Fenerbahce goalkeeper with no chance. The visitors continued to threaten and nearly doubled their lead when Morgan Gibbs-White’s header from Omari Hutchinson’s cross was saved by Ederson. However, they found their second goal just before half-time when Igor Jesus headed in from a flicked-on corner by Gibbs-White.
Fenerbahce attempted to mount a comeback after the break, but Forest’s defense held firm. Stefan Ortega made a crucial save to deny Sidiki Cherif’s powerful shot. Forest then sealed the victory with a third goal, as Gibbs-White finished off a squared pass from Jesus, with VAR confirming there was no offside.
Pereira added: “The difference is the way they started the game. This is mental. It is what I asked them, that mentally they must be ready to face a team in this stadium with the passion of their supporters. We needed to send a message to them from the first minute. The second game will be tough. We need to be ready mentally to face them again.”
The victory not only highlighted Forest’s attacking prowess but also showcased Pereira’s ability to quickly instill confidence and tactical discipline in his team. As they prepare for the second leg, Forest will aim to maintain their momentum and secure progression in the competition.
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