Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they needed other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half 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 providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the rating displayed is the mean from all the submissions.
