Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
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 result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with six of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the score shown is the mean from all the submissions.
