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Fenerbahce will lean on its strong European home record when it hosts Nottingham Forest in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League last 16 play-off round tonight, as the Istanbul club prepares to play its 299th match in European competitions.
Playing at its Sukru Saracoglu (Chobani) Stadium in Istanbul’s Kadikoy district, Fenerbahce has built up a solid home record in continental tournaments over the decades. Since its first European home fixture in 1959, the club has played 148 matches in front of its supporters, winning 76 of them while losing 39 and drawing 33. In those games, Fenerbahce has scored 216 goals and conceded 141.
Recent seasons have reinforced that trend. Since a home defeat to Dynamo Kyiv in the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds, Fenerbahce has lost only four of its last 28 European home matches, winning 18 and drawing six. That consistency at home has helped the club move through group and knockout stages in different competitions, including the Europa League and the UEFA Europa Conference League.
This season, Fenerbahce advanced from the league phase of the Europa League, the second-tier European competition beneath the UEFA Champions League, to reach the play-off stage for a place in the round of 16.
Today’s fixture against the English side will mark Fenerbahce’s 299th game in European competitions overall. In 298 matches to date, the Istanbul club has recorded 117 wins, 65 draws and 116 defeats, scoring 407 goals and conceding 419.
In the Europa League era alone, Fenerbahce has played 102 matches, collecting 49 wins, 31 draws and 22 losses. Those numbers underline the club’s long-standing presence in European football and its experience at this level.
Head coach Domenico Tedesco said his team is highly motivated ahead of the tie, describing it as an important opportunity to take the first step toward qualification.
Tedesco noted that Nottingham Forest recently changed its head coach, which makes tactical analysis more complex. While systems may shift, he emphasized that player characteristics tend to remain consistent, explaining that his staff focused primarily on individual performances in recent preparations. He added that his team is ready to adapt to different formations, whether facing a back four or back three, and wants to remain unpredictable.
The Italian coach also highlighted the quality and depth of his midfield options, saying that the main task is to bring the best players together with the right mentality and belief. He stressed that Fenerbahce approaches every match as if it were a final and must keep mistakes to a minimum to avoid being punished at this level.
Tedesco confirmed that Archie Brown has recovered from injury and will be included in the squad, although he may not play many minutes, while Levent Mercan needs more time. Midfielder Edson Alvarez has improved but will undergo surgery and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.
The coach expressed satisfaction with the performances of his attacking players, pointing out that Talisca is currently the team’s top scorer and plays a decisive role in front of goal. He also praised Asensio’s positive impact and said that Kerem has responded well after facing pressure earlier in the season.
Defender Mert Muldur echoed the emphasis on unity within the squad, stating that strong relationships in the dressing room have translated into improved performances on the pitch. He said he stayed ready even during periods when he did not play regularly and believes that maintaining this collective spirit will be key as the team competes on three fronts.
With a demanding schedule ahead, Fenerbahce will look to build on its established home advantage in Kadikoy as it seeks to move one step closer to the Europa League last 16.
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