Forest's Striker Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
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 opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back 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 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 hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the score shown represents the average from all the submissions.
