Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed 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 – the striker 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 beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, 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 one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place 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.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the rating displayed represents the average from all the votes.
