Vitor Pereira could not have asked for a better introduction as Nottingham Forest manager, overseeing an accomplished triumph away at Fenerbahce in the opening leg of their Europa League knockout round play-off.
The Premier League side controlled proceedings throughout, sealing the most significant away success in their European history.
With a two-goal cushion secured, Forest head into the return match at the City Ground on 26 February (20:00 GMT) in a strong position to reach the last 16, where either Midtjylland or Real Betis will be waiting.
Murillo sets tone as hosts struggle
Forest’s intent was evident from the outset, and it was returning centre-back Murillo who ignited the evening. Driving forward from defence, he powered a 20-yard effort beyond goalkeeper Ederson and into the bottom-right corner to break the deadlock.
Fenerbahce, despite featuring several players familiar with the Premier League, found it difficult to maintain possession or match the visitors’ tempo during a one-sided first half.
The home side’s main moment of controversy arrived when Talisca’s attempt struck Murillo’s arm, leading to loud appeals for a penalty. However, following a VAR review, no spot-kick was awarded.
As Forest’s dominance grew, their supporters made themselves heard, watching their team put domestic struggles behind them after Pereira’s recent appointment in place of Sean Dyche.
Jesus makes history before Gibbs-White seals victory
The advantage doubled soon after when Igor Jesus netted his seventh goal of the competition. He met Morgan Gibbs-White’s near-post flick with a close-range header, extending Forest’s lead.
That goal also saw Jesus surpass Garry Birtles’ long-standing club mark of six goals in a single European campaign, set during Forest’s European Cup triumph in 1979.
Any expectation that the visitors might retreat after the interval quickly vanished. Five minutes into the second half, the roles were reversed as Jesus turned provider and Gibbs-White finished from close range, capping an impressive first visit to Turkey for the two-time European champions.