Forest's Striker Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, although they required other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with six of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the rating shown represents the mean from all the votes.
