Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a great performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' 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 lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, 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.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score shown is the average from all the submissions.
