Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they needed other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than 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.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb 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 turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the score shown represents the mean from all the votes.
