Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the rating displayed represents the average from all the votes.
