Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward 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 Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere 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 good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan 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 excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings 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 the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the score shown is the average from all the votes.
