Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish 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 Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder 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 broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
That goal ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, 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 European competition this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the rating displayed represents the mean from all the votes.
