Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the rating displayed represents the average from all the votes.
