Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in command.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of making the top eight, although they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings 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 watching this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the rating displayed represents the average from all the submissions.
