Nottingham Forest secured their place in the Europa League Round of 16 with a 4‑2 aggregate win over Fenerbahce, despite losing the second leg 2‑1 at the City Ground on Thursday.
Forest carried a 3‑0 advantage from the first leg in Turkey, but Kerem Akturkoglu reignited Fenerbahce’s hopes with goals in each half, including a penalty after Jair Cunha’s foul. Callum Hudson‑Odoi eased Forest’s nerves by scoring in the 68th minute, ensuring their progression despite the home defeat.
The Premier League side, currently battling for survival under new manager Vitor Pereira, will face either Real Betis or Midtjylland in the next round.
Meanwhile, Celtic bowed out of Europe after a 4‑2 aggregate loss to Stuttgart. Despite winning the second leg 1‑0 in Germany, Martin O’Neill’s men could not overturn the three‑goal deficit from their 4‑1 defeat in Glasgow. Luke McCowan scored in the opening minute, but Celtic failed to add further goals.
The Scottish champions remain without a European knockout tie victory since 2004, with domestic pressure mounting from rivals Hearts. Stuttgart advances to face Porto or Braga in the Round of 16.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa await either Celta Vigo or Lille. Lille edged past Red Star Belgrade after extra time, with Olivier Giroud equalising early and Nathan Ngoy scoring the decisive goal. If Lille progress, they could face Villa or set up an all‑French clash with Lyon.
