Fenerbahçe is set to compete against Nottingham Forest for the first time in their European history in a highly anticipated knockout matchup. The Turkish side has struggled recently against English teams, managing only one win in their last nine encounters, accompanied by two draws and six losses, including qualifying rounds.
This matchup marks the first European knockout tie between English and Turkish teams since the 2014-15 UEFA Europa League, when Liverpool faced Besiktas. In that contest, both teams secured 1-0 victories at home, with Besiktas emerging victorious after a tense penalty shootout.
Fenerbahçe has a challenging history in European knockout rounds, having lost the first leg in four of their last six major ties. Notably, they have never progressed from a knockout stage after losing the first leg, having been eliminated on all 26 occasions they found themselves in that position.
Conversely, Nottingham Forest has been in impressive form, scoring a total of 15 goals in eight UEFA Europa League matches this season. This puts them on the verge of surpassing their record from the 1978-79 European Cup campaign, where they netted 19 goals in nine games en route to their title victory.
As both teams prepare for this exciting clash, Fenerbahçe will aim to overturn their historical struggles against clubs from England, while Nottingham Forest looks to continue building on their successful European campaign. This matchup promises to deliver a thrilling contest for football fans on both sides.