Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in command.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they needed other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season 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 threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
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' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the rating shown represents the mean from all the submissions.
