Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they needed other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive one."
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Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score shown is the average from all the votes.
