Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing 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 small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward 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 Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation 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 place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the rating shown represents the average from all the votes.
