Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – 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 a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"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 ability.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score displayed is the average from all the submissions.