Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
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