Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
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 – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the rating displayed represents the mean from all the submissions.