Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest 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 rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, even though they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the rating displayed is the mean from all the submissions.
