Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net 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 campaign.
The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce 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 step, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the score displayed is the mean from all the submissions.
