Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a great performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of making the top eight, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the score shown represents the mean from all the votes.
