Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net 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 campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where 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 collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the rating displayed is the mean from all the submissions.
