Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros 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 making the league's elite, although they needed other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score shown represents the average from all the votes.
