Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the score shown is the mean from all the votes.
