Fenerbahçe's Europa hopes in peril after heavy Forest loss
Baku, February 20, AZERTAC
Fenerbahçe jeopardized their hopes of reaching the round of 16 on Thursday, falling 3-0 at home to Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League playoff, the Daily Sabah reported.
The win marked a dream start for Forest's new coach, Vitor Pereira, who became their fourth boss this season after agreeing an 18-month deal to replace the sacked Sean Dyche on Sunday.
Making things worse for the Turkish side, Jayden Oosterwolde and Fred picked up yellow cards and will miss the return leg through suspension. Meanwhile, Milan Skriniar was forced off with an injury, and the star center-back is set to undergo an MRI scan.
Murillo opened the scoring after a solo run from midfield in the 21st minute.
Forest struck again in the 43rd minute.
Morgan Gibbs-White flicked on Elliot Anderson's corner at the near post and Igor Jesus pounced to head in from virtually on the goal-line.
Jesus' seventh goal in the Europa League this season sucked the spirit from Fenerbahçe and Gibbs-White notched Forest's third goal in the 50th minute.
Forest's dominant display puts them in pole position to finish the job in the second leg at the City Ground on Feb. 26.
The winner of the tie will play Real Betis or Midtjylland.
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