Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they needed other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – 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 turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the rating displayed is the mean from all the votes.
