Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of making the top eight, although they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce 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 Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
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