Pereira Urges Nottingham Forest Not To Underestimate Fenerbahce In Europa League Tie

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Nottingham Forest head coach Vitor Pereira is warning against complacency before the Europa League play-off second leg against Fenerbahce, even with a 3-0 advantage. Forest are close to the last 16, yet Pereira is stressing focus at the City Ground, where the support is expected to be strong as the club seeks another important European result.

Pereira’s first match in charge of Forest brought a 3-0 win away to Fenerbahce, with Murillo, Igor Jesus and Morgan Gibbs-White scoring in Istanbul. That victory was Forest’s biggest away success in a major European competition, and also their first knockout-stage win in Europe since a 1-0 triumph over Lyon in the UEFA Cup round of 16 first leg in November 1995.

The new head coach extended a personal record with that performance, as Pereira has never lost his first game in charge of a club. Across 15 managerial spells, including Forest, the record now stands at 11 wins and four draws. Still, Pereira is using the dramatic 1-0 defeat against Liverpool in the Premier League as a warning about losing control late on.

Alexis Mac Allister scored in the 97th minute for Liverpool in Pereira’s second match, denying Forest a league point. That late setback underlined to Pereira how fast a game can change, especially against strong opponents. The lesson now shapes Forest’s preparation for the second leg against a Fenerbahce side with a difficult record when trying to overturn first-leg deficits.

Historically, Fenerbahce have failed to progress from all 26 knockout ties in any competition after losing the first leg. Even with those statistics, Pereira does not want Forest to relax. "The worst mistake we can make is thinking it will be easy tomorrow, Pereira said ahead of Thursday's meeting at the City Ground. They will come here believing. We need to approach this game with the right mentality to play in front of our supporters. It is a big chance to please them because they deserve it. They helped us a lot in the last game, and they deserve a win."

The Turkish club’s overall record in England adds further context. Fenerbahce have won one of 10 away European matches, including qualifiers, on English soil, drawing two and losing seven. That single win was a 1-0 success against Manchester United at Old Trafford in October 1996 in the Champions League, a result that remains a key reference point for the Istanbul side.

Forest arrive at this second leg in strong European form. The club have won their last two Europa League matches and now stand one victory away from three consecutive wins in major European competition for the first time since the 1983-84 UEFA Cup campaign. For a club with Forest’s European history, that potential milestone adds extra significance to the fixture under the City Ground lights.

Pereira is also aware that Fenerbahce will travel without several important players. Ederson, Anderson Talisca and Caglar Soyuncu are all ruled out through injury, weakening the visitors’ options. However, the Forest head coach expects determination from the Turkish side, shaped by the mentality of the club and supporters that Pereira knows well from past experience.

That respect was clear as Pereira discussed Fenerbahce’s problems. "I know in the last game they got some injuries to some important players, Pereira added. But I know the spirit of the club and the Turkish people, they will come here believing." The message to Forest’s squad is to treat Fenerbahce as a serious danger, regardless of absentees or the first-leg scoreline.

Training intensity has remained high before the second leg as Forest look to manage both the scoreboard advantage and the emotional pressure of a European night. The club highlighted the tempo in recent sessions, reflecting Pereira’s demand for higher levels. That preparation is aimed at avoiding any drop in focus that might allow Fenerbahce back into the tie.

Domestic concerns remain close behind European priorities for Forest. After facing Fenerbahce, Forest meet Brighton in the Premier League, where the club are aiming to move further away from the relegation zone. Balancing those demands is difficult, and Pereira has admitted that changing form between continental and domestic competitions can be complicated.

Pereira outlined that difference when asked about carrying Europa League performances into league play. "This is a different competition, and we have our ambition in this competition, Pereira said. Today is about tomorrow. We are talking about tomorrow. We start at zero, and we need to score goals. We need not concede goals. What I want to see tomorrow is my team increasing their level."

Forest now sit one strong display away from a Europa League last-16 place, while Fenerbahce attempt to overturn both injuries and history. With a 3-0 cushion, a record-breaking away win behind them, and recent domestic frustration still fresh, the focus for Pereira’s side centres on maintaining control, rewarding home supporters, and extending an improving European run.