Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel 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 Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
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 host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the rating displayed is the mean from all the submissions.
