Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a great performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of 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 guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the score displayed is the mean from all the votes.
