Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they needed other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham 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 entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines 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 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.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the score shown is the average from all the submissions.
