Vitor Pereira takes 'risk' as Nottingham Forest survive European scare vs Fenerbahce

Forest had put themselves in a commanding position with a 3-0 first-leg win in Istanbul, but they were rocked on Thursday night when Kerem Akturkoglu struck twice to put the visitors 2-0 ahead on the night. Suddenly, what had looked routine became tense, with Fenerbahce threatening a remarkable comeback.

Callum Hudson-Odoi settled the nerves after the break, scoring the crucial goal that ended the tie as a contest and ensured Forest's place in the last 16, where they will face either Real Betis or FC Midtjylland.

Pereira made six changes to his starting XI, clearly balancing European ambition with Sunday's Premier League trip to Brighton.

"We were suffering a bit," he said. "But we are in the moment of the season where we need to think not about one game, but about two games.

"It was a risk because I decided to make six changes. When you change one or two players, they can be in the middle of the others and you don't miss quality. But when you change six, they are not used to playing 90 minutes.

"I decided because I need to think about the Brighton game. It's very important for us. We need to go there with fuel and energy."

At half-time, with Forest under pressure, Pereira acted decisively, making four substitutions.

"It's difficult for a manager to do four subs," he admitted. "It's not about one player. I was feeling that we needed to do something to face the second half.

"If you feel we are not controlling the game and we are at risk, you must do it. It is my job."

Fenerbahce boss Domenico Tedesco praised his side's effort despite elimination.

"We are proud of the way we played tonight, with personality," he said. "We had many opportunities. We are out, but with our heads held high."

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