Forest's Striker Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in command.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, even though they required other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the rating displayed represents the average from all the submissions.
