Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in command.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of making the top eight, although they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute 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 back post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: 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 11 goals scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the score shown represents the mean from all the submissions.
