Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
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