Vitor Pereira asked his Nottingham Forest players to "express themselves" prior to their commanding victory at Fenerbahce in the first leg of their Europa League knockout round play-off tie. Goals from Murillo, Igor Jesus and captain Morgan Gibbs-White underpinned a dominant Forest performance that could arguably have delivered an even more emphatic winning margin. They need results but they need to enjoy the game. Sitting fourth bottom in the Premier League, just three points above the relegation zone, Forest's main aim is to stay up. However, extending their first European campaign since 1995-96 would also boost confidence at club that twice won the European Cup under Brian Clough.

Source: Express February 19, 2026 22:08 UTC