Friday’s briefing: Forest survive Fenerbahce fireworks as Eagles land in last 16

Nottingham Forest survived a scare against Fenerbahce in the Europa League play-off second leg as they booked their place in the last 16.

Celtic bowed out of Europe with some pride intact after a 1-0 win in Stuttgart.

In the Conference League, Crystal Palace closed out a 3-1 aggregate win over Bosnian side Zrinjski Mostar.

Flares and Fenerbahce scares for Forest

Nottingham Forest survived a scare against Fenerbahce in the Europa League play-off second leg as they booked their place in the last 16 with a 4-2 aggregate win.

Forest looked to have the job done against the Turkish side after a handsome 3-0 victory in last week’s first leg in Istanbul.

But Kerem Akturkoglu’s double put Fenerbahce 2-0 up at the City Ground as they threatened one of the great European comebacks.

However, Callum Hudson-Odoi’s second-half strike killed the tie and sent Forest through to a last-16 meeting with either Real Betis or FC Midtjylland, despite a 2-1 defeat on the night.

Moments after the match kicked off, there had been a three-minute delay as sections of a 1,500-strong away end launched several fireworks into the Forest penalty area, with more following Fenerbahce’s opening goal.

Forest boss Vitor Pereira made six changes to his side as he admitted prioritising Sunday’s Premier League clash with Brighton.

“I decide to take this risk, because I need to think about the Brighton game, it is very important for us,” he said. “We need to go there with fuel and energy.”

Hoops lifted by early show

A much-changed Celtic team restored some pride with a 1-0 victory in Stuttgart as they exited the Europa League.

Luke McCowan stunned the hosts by netting inside 30 seconds, but Celtic could not make further inroads into their three-goal first-leg deficit in the knockout round play-offs.

The win at least earned some much-needed coefficient and ranking points and gave Martin O’Neill’s side a lift following consecutive home defeats by Stuttgart and Hibernian.

Celtic will quickly put their 4-2 aggregate defeat behind them as they prepare to face Rangers on Sunday in the second of four successive away matches.

“Everybody did well in the match. It gives me food for thought. Of course it does, absolutely,” said O’Neill, who had made eight changes in all.

Eagles get back on track

Maxence Lacroix helped Crystal Palace book a trip to the Conference League last 16 with a first-half header in their 2-0 victory over Zrinjski Mostar at Selhurst Park to seal a 3-1 aggregate win.

It was a season-defining victory for the Eagles after their disappointing 1-1 first-leg draw in Bosnia and Herzegovina piled pressure on Palace boss Oliver Glasner.

Palace dominated possession in the first half and finally broke through when Lacroix nodded home from Adam Wharton’s free-kick in the 36th minute.

Evann Guessand finally ensured the Eagles would still be in the hunt for silverware with a second goal in stoppage time.

Glasner, who is set to leave the club at the end of the campaign, feels now is the time for unity.

“I think one of our biggest strengths is togetherness, and we have some noise sometimes in the group as well,” the Austrian said.

“I think this is the same with the fans – they are critical with us, and they are honest with us.

“We are the same with them, but this is what a good relationship is all about, to be honest with each other, and now I am sure we can all enjoy the rest of the season.”

What’s on today?

There is live Premier League action on Friday night when bottom club Wolves host Aston Villa, who are fighting for points at the other end of the table.

In the Sky Bet Championship, play-off hopefuls Bristol City take on Watford at Ashton Gate.

Several Premier League clubs are holding press conferences on Friday ahead of the weekend’s action.

Arne Slot and Eddie Howe are first up in the morning, with Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta, Liam Rosenior and interim Manchester United boss Michael Carrick all part of a busy afternoon schedule.