Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the rating shown represents the average from all the submissions.