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  New manager Vítor Pereira enjoyed a perfect debut as Nottingham Forest secured a commanding 3-0 away win against Fenerbahçe in the Europa League playoff first leg.

  ​Forest took control through goals from Murillo, Igor Jesus, and captain Morgan Gibbs-White, placing them firmly in the driver’s seat for the return leg.

  Pereira, the club’s fourth coach this season, replaced Sean Dyche only days ago.

  The victory provides a massive boost for the Premier League side, who currently sit 17th domestically and face a daunting clash against Liverpool this Sunday.

  ​Elsewhere in European action, Genk secured a 3-1 victory in Zagreb, while Bologna edged out Brann 1-0 thanks to a Santiago Castro winner.

  Premier League counterparts Crystal Palace struggled, managing only a 1-1 draw against Bosnian champions Zrinjski Mostar in the Conference League.

  These two-leg playoffs determine which sides will join the top eight teams in the prestigious round of 16 next month.

• Player Ratings: Yamal and Ferran disappoint as Barcelona lose top spot in Girona

  Despite a Pau Cubarsi header and a high-energy return for Raphinha, Barcelona fell to a 2-1 defeat as Girona’s late surge and Lamine Yamal’s penalty miss proved decisive.

  Barcelona traveled to the Estadi Montilivi on Monday night seeking redemption following their recent Copa del Rey exit.

  While Hansi Flick’s side controlled the tempo during the opening half, they were ultimately undone by a resurgent Girona side that capitalized on defensive lapses to secure a 2-1 victory.

  The result marks a second consecutive defeat for the Blaugrana, raising urgent concerns about the team’s consistency as the title race intensifies.

  ​Joan Garcia: 7

  The shot-stopper redeemed himself after a difficult midweek performance with a series of vital interventions. His distribution was composed, and he kept the visitors alive with a spectacular triple save in the 71st minute, though he was left unprotected for Girona’s late winning strike.

  ​Gerard Martin: 6.5

  Filling in for Alejandro Balde, the young left-back provided a reliable defensive presence. While he offered limited overlapping threat in the final third, his positioning was disciplined, highlighted by a crucial goal-saving challenge in the 53rd minute that prevented a certain breakaway.

  ​Pau Cubarsi: 6

  It was a night of extreme highs and lows for the teenage center-back. He initially put Barcelona ahead with a perfectly directed header from a set-piece, but his evening soured when a weak clearance allowed Girona to equalize. His defensive stability fluctuated significantly as the match wore on.

  ​Eric Garcia: 5

  The academy product started the match with poise, maintaining a high line and working well in tandem with Cubarsi to catch Girona offside. However, his performance dipped sharply in the second half, where he struggled to track runners and looked increasingly vulnerable under pressure.

  ​Jules Kounde: 5

  While the Frenchman provided the pinpoint cross for Barcelona’s only goal, he struggled in his primary defensive duties. He was caught out of position for the equalizer and failed to prevent the delivery into the box, marking an inconsistent outing for the right-back.

  ​Frenkie de Jong: 6

  Wearing the captain’s armband in Pedri’s absence, the Dutchman was the primary engine in midfield during the first hour. He effectively dictated the rhythm and broke up several counters, but his physical intensity waned late in the game, allowing Girona to seize control of the center.

  ​Dani Olmo: 7

  One of the most creative sparks for the visitors, Olmo consistently found pockets of space between the lines. He won a penalty through clever movement just before the interval, and while the chance was squandered, his overall vision remained a bright spot in a disjointed attack.

  ​Fermin Lopez: 6.5

  The energetic midfielder worked tirelessly to link the play and penetrate the box with late runs. While his passing through the lines was productive and helped sustain pressure in the first half, he lacked the clinical edge required to convert his movements into clear-cut scoring chances.

  ​Lamine Yamal: 6

  A frustrating night for the teenage star, who displayed flashes of brilliance but lacked a finishing touch. After a stunning individual dribble, he missed a clear one-on-one opportunity and later saw his penalty kick strike the woodwork, leaving him unable to change the game’s trajectory.

  ​Raphinha: 7.5

  Returning directly into the starting lineup from injury, the Brazilian was comfortably Barcelona’s most industrious player. He led the high press with relentless energy and forced several saves from the Girona keeper, proving to be the most consistent threat in Flick’s offensive unit.

  ​Ferran Torres: 5

  Operating as the central striker, Torres struggled to exert any meaningful influence on the contest. He was largely isolated from the team’s buildup play and failed to register any significant shots on target, acting as a passenger for much of the evening before being substituted.

• Barcelona express concerns over Referee appointment for Girona clash

  Barcelona officials and supporters have expressed significant concern following the appointment of César Soto Grado to officiate Monday’s high-stakes Catalan Derby against Girona at the Estadi Montilivi.

  ​Barcelona has voiced official concern regarding the appointment of César Soto Grado as the referee for Monday’s critical La Liga clash with Girona.

  The decision comes at a delicate time for the Blaugrana, who were recently overtaken at the league summit by Real Madrid.

  The club’s history with Soto Grado is fraught with tension, as his officiating has frequently sparked accusations of institutional bias.

  ​Under Soto Grado’s watch, Barcelona has struggled to maintain consistency, securing only seven wins alongside six defeats and three draws in their last sixteen matches.

  Notably, fourteen of those fixtures were played away from home, heightening fears of a disadvantageous environment at Montilivi.

  As the reigning champions fight to reclaim their lead, many within the club remain wary, noting that “Barca have long drawn issue with the standard of Soto Grado’s officiating.”

• Marc Andre Ter Stegen close to joining Girona on loan

  Barcelona veteran Marc-André ter Stegen is reportedly close to finalizing a loan move to fellow La Liga side Girona for the remainder of the season, as the 33-year-old looks to secure regular playing time ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

  Following a period of recovery from back surgery, the German international has seen his starting position usurped by summer signing Joan García, whom Hansi Flick has designated as the club’s “first choice goalkeeper.”

  Sources indicate that Ter Stegen’s decision to move 100 km north was solidified after he was left on the bench during Thursday’s Copa del Rey victory over Racing Santander.

  While the two clubs are currently “ironing out the final terms” regarding salary distribution, the veteran shot-stopper—who has amassed 423 appearances and 17 trophies during his tenure at the Camp Nou—is said to have given the green light to the deal to ensure he remains in contention for the German national team.

• Auto Draft

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