Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a excellent performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker 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 Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge 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 directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- JĂşlio RomĂŁo: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the rating displayed is the average from all the votes.
