Celtic, though, look all but out after slipping to a 4-1 home defeat against Stuttgart and Crystal Palace’s Conference League hopes also hang in the balance after a 1-1 draw at Bosnian Premier League side Zrinjski Mostar.

In the Women’s Champions League, Manchester United coasted past Atletico Madrid to book a quarter-final spot while Bukayo Saka committed his long-term future to Arsenal.

Europa tonic for new Forest boss

Vitor Pereira enjoyed a dream start to his Nottingham Forest reign as his new side put one foot in the last 16 of the Europa League with a 3-0 away win at Fenerbahce.

Pereira was taking charge of Forest for the first time after he became their fourth manager of a chaotic season – and it could not have gone better as they took a decisive lead in the play-off round first leg in Istanbul.

Goals from Murillo, Igor Jesus and Morgan Gibbs-White made it a memorable night for Forest as life after Sean Dyche began in freescoring fashion, ensuring Pereira’s side closed in on a last-16 tie against Real Betis or Midtjylland.

“I think his message to us is that we are going to have a real identity of how we play and how we defend as a team,” Gibbs-White said on TNT Sports.

“I feel like him and his staff have brought a real positive energy into the group and we have all bought into what he wants straight away.”

Bhoys on the brink

N/A

Kasper Schmeichel’s every touch was booed by a section of Celtic fans in the aftermath of conceding two soft goals in a 4-1 Europa League defeat by Stuttgart.

The 39-year-old Dane was slow to get down to the first of Bilal El Khannouss’ two goals and made a poor attempt to claw away a low drive from Jamie Leweling.

Benjamin Nygren briefly had Celtic level in the first half, but the Bundesliga side were comfortable winners as Tiago Tomas capped off a poor night for the Bhoys with a fourth goal in stoppage-time.

Eagles’ wings clipped in Bosnia

Crystal Palace’s Conference League hopes hang in the balance after a 1-1 draw at Bosnian Premier League side Zrinjski Mostar in the first leg of their knockout phase play-off.

Ismaila Sarr, assisted by January signing Jorgen Strand Larsen, broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, but Karlo Abramovic scored a second-half equaliser.

The Eagles then failed to create many chances, coming closest when Adam Wharton rattled the crossbar in what was another disappointing display from the struggling Premier League side – once touted as favourites to win the competition.

Red Devils coast into last eight

N/A

Manchester United set up a Women’s Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich with a thumping 5-0 aggregate win over Atletico Madrid.

Leading 3-0 from the first leg, United knew they were all but through, and first-half goals from Julia Zigiotti Olme and Jess Park earned them a 2-0 victory at Leigh Sports Village.

“It feels fantastic. We’ve made history for the club again,” United boss Marc Skinner, who could only name four outfield substitutes because of injury, said to Disney+.

Bukayo Saka commits to Gunners journey

Bukayo Saka has backed Arsenal to “get over the line” and win trophies again after he committed his long-term future to the Gunners.

England international Saka, who progressed through the academy at Hale End, scored in Wednesday night’s last-gasp 2-2 draw at Wolves – which saw the Premier League leaders drop what could be two crucial points in the title race.

Saka, though, has reiterated his desire to win silverware with his boyhood club.

“I feel immense joy to continue my journey at this club. For me, it was an easy commitment and I just hope to win everything here,” Saka told Arsenal’s official website.

“I believe the next few years are going to be the years that we get over the line, we are able to win trophies and make history for this club. We are back where we belong – fighting for everything.”

What’s on today?

In Friday night’s live Sky Bet Championship action, Blackburn take on Lancashire rivals Preston at Ewood Park – with the teams battling for points at the oppositive ends of the table.

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

Eddie Howe is first up in the morning, with Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta, Michael Carrick and interim Tottenham boss Igor Tudor all part of a busy afternoon schedule.