Official Europa League Matchday Thread #8. Nottingham Forest v Ferencvárosi TC. 29/01/2026. 20:00

[Nedski67]

Duh duh dooo

Lincoln maradonna.

Haha a couple of us tried to get that going at one point but the Trentside gallery weren’t interested

 

[Far have we travelled]

He should have been given a season long loan in the summer. A season constantly playing, even down in League 1/2 does so much for the development. See Yates, and Jonno

Does it? It seems to finish most of our good young players' careers at the club. Yates and Jonno benefitted from actually being picked rather than from being loaned.

 

[Cloughie1975]

I enjoyed the game last night far more than I thought I would despite the very cold conditions not helped by the
swathes of empty seats at the top of the Brian Clough stand.

After an early scare I thought Forest played some really good football at times which gave lie to the view of some
that Sean Dyche is a hoofball merchant only.

A shame that Igor Jesus couldn’t complete a hat-trick and a word for James McAtee who showed he could yet
be an asset to Forest.

 

[Nedski67]

Now we have 2 extra games, which we could have well done without.

I don’t really worry about extra games.

A. It’s another couple of European nights which are something special.

B. It’s not like we’ve had Carabao or FA Cup games to worry about so still have chance to rest when other clubs have been playing.

 

[Rzar]

He should have been given a season long loan in the summer. A season constantly playing, even down in League 1/2 does so much for the development. See Yates, and Jonno

I do not agree with this. He was a free squad place for the Europa League, and he will learn more being deputy to Murillo & Milenkovic than playing for Mansfield.

He is still only 19, next year is the year he should go and get regular game time in the Championship.

 

[Rzar]

I don’t really worry about extra games.

A. It’s another couple of European nights which are something special.

B. It’s not like we’ve had Carabao or FA Cup games to worry about so still have chance to rest when other clubs have been playing.

Extra games are only a problem if you are losing them!

If they are more like tonight then it should be welcomed to get some momentum.

 

[enlightened]

A relatively easy watch last night with no pressure on the game, Forest playing well and an opposition that (apart from hitting the woodwork twice) didn't really threaten. Makes a nice change.

 

[Notcher]

He was booked for the pass he made 3 seconds before it I reckon.

He was booked for shirt pulling, it was a definitely a booking.

 

["...in the top one"]

Reflections after a cracking evening!

1. We are looking upwards not downwards (PL and EL). Well done Dyche.
2. Belief and team-work. Some of the 2nd teamers showed up. Well done Mcatee.
3. I did say Fradi have over-acheived in the EL and it showed (notwithstanding hitting the bar x2). Couldn't handle the intensity of our play and their 2 most attacking players were recently sold.
4. 2 quick early goals nulified their fans (who I expected much of)
5. Waiting for the half and half coffee cup to be reduced before pouncing

Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos or anyone left in the EL (excepting Villa) should be more fearful of us, than Forest of them!

 

[Steve B]

A 4-0 victory at home in Europe is a fitting tribute ahead of the greatest winger in history’s funeral later today. Well played Reds.

 

[king_congo_red]

Extra games are only a problem if you are losing them!

Or if players start picking up injuries/suspensions that affect the non-extra games.

 

[king_congo_red]

A 4-0 victory at home in Europe is a fitting tribute ahead of the greatest winger in history’s funeral later today. Well played Reds.

I think I'm correct in saying, the last time we scored 4 goals in a European competition, Robbo was in the team?

 

[Beardo7]

Well just about warmed up!

How in the name of Greek buggery were they in the top 8?? I'd say they were worse than Malmo slow, lightweight, technically poor didn't really even try to attack and left massive holes in midfield constantly and on another day we could of had 6 or 7 Ndoye skinned their RB 1st half about 5 times twice leaving him on his arse. They were also very susceptible to the long ball as Jesus 2nd showed it nearly happened a few times in the 1st half as well where Sels pumped it long and he just threw their CB's around like Hulk Hogan Wrestling a Jobber on Sunday Night Heat.

Milkenovic basically took the Piss out of their number 11 was like a dad playing against his son, his highlight being shanking one into Upper Bridgford and then instantly getting Subbed.

On note on their fans, they were Noisy for about 20 mins until they realised they were playing a proper side the 1st they have played I think looking at their fixtures and were 2-0 down and knew they were in for a long night, though chatted to a few at the station after and they all expected to get battered as Forest is a "great premier league team" but enjoyed their day in Nottingham and said the city was "fun"

So Panathinaikos please as that will be proper tasty! Most of the European games so far have been pretty flat with no real jeopardy on them, a kock out game against the owners biggest rivals form Greece would be a lot of fun!

COYR.

 

[Captain Sinister]

Match Report

I didn't expect much ahead of kick off last night, what with an opposition as yet unbeaten in the Europa League who could have qualified for the top 8 if they had won, their fans in ebullient and raucous mood, and the Forest crowd well below normal capacity and bolstered with lots of casual fans. And on 5-minutes I thought "Oh dear" as the Hungasrians went close from a set piece, the near post header hitting the post and the follow up being blasted into the Trent end crowd. However, that triggered an instant switch-on by the Forest players and McAtee, Ndoye and Jesus started to run the Magyar defenders ragged. Yates and Sangare were too much for the opposition midfield to cope with, and it was no surpise when Yates dispossessed them, strode forward and crossed for the Ferancvaros defender to put through his own net. 6 minutes later it was Sangare winning the ball in midfield who released Jesus who made no mistake with a well taken goal.
Forest were imperious and could have gone in at half time further in front, but 2-0 it was.
The 2nd half saw Forest continue where they left off, with McAtee in particular showing the technique that made him an England U21 regular. Jesus put away a superb 2nd goal for him with a burst through between 2 defenders and McAtee rounded the evening off converting a last minute penalty following Ndoye being pulled to the ground as he attempted an overhead bicycle kick.
In between Forest's 3rd and 4th goals, Ferancvaros had a bullet header that canoned off the underside of the bar, and somehow didn't go in.
With a bit more luck Forest could have clocked up 6, 7 or even 8 goals.

Player Ratings:

Sels: 8 - 2 very good saves to keep the clean sheet;
Abbott: 7 -worked hard, bt the opposition didn't really take him on;
Milenkovic: 7 - far too strong for the Magyar strikers;
Morato: 7 - only the one brain-fart when he under powered a header back to Sels, who fortunately had come off his line to just beat the on-rushing forward;
Williams: 7 - just plays so consistently every game (and has to play every game!);
Sangare: 7 - far too good for them to handle;
Yates: 7 - led with a great captain's performance;
McAtee: 9 - finally delivered a MOTM performance after being Mr Invisible for the season to date;
Dominguez: 8 - unlucky not to get on the score sheet;
Ndoye: 8 - teased and tantalised all night and deserved a goal;
Jesus: 8 - 2 excellent goals again, and a dominating performance.

Subs: none rated as game was over well before they came on.

A decent end to the leagu phase.
Bring on Parathanaikos!!!!

 

[Master Yates]

I reckon we should've played a 3 man midfield to allow more possession higher up the pitch and to get midfielders into the box and prevent it becoming pedestrian.

Don't know if I've mentioned the 3 man midfield being our best formation before?

Hindsight is 20-20 mate.....

 

[Captain Sinister]

Hindsight is 20-20 mate.....

I doubt anyone would have predicted Ferancvaros being so passive before kick-off.
when i spent time in Hungary back in the 1970's the Hungarian club sides were athletic, physical, and had good technique (and were in the main mostly Hungarian players).
Ferancvaros were none of those things.

 

[Notcher]

Hindsight is 20-20 mate.....

It is mate, the thing is I've been calling for a 3 man midfield since August. I'm surprised you've not heard me banging that drum through your living room window.

 

[JonnoSnr]

He was booked for shirt pulling, it was a definitely a booking.

Sorry it was my attempt at humour as his pass before the booking was so bad it deserved a card.

 

[Templeton]

Was a far more comfortable and positive evening than I was expecting. Bit crazy to think that despite how poorly we've been in some of these Europa games, if either one of those missed penalties had gone in we'd be sat here qualified in the top 8.

McAtee actually stayed involved in the game for the entire 90 minutes which was great to see, not his usual 5-10 minutes of looking promising and then vanishing from the game. Definitely a game he can take some confidence from and hopefully be more affective for the remainder of the season. Ndoye was far more positive last night attacking the full back, I've said it on here before but he looks a far more natural runner on the left, just needs to work on that delivery now.

Was nice to see Jesus attacking the middle of the penalty area with his running and being rewarded with a couple of good strikes, hopefully it's something he keeps working on getting into that danger area more often.

Only other thing of note really was the penalty, it does make me laugh that 2 or 3 times this season there's been a bit of debate among the players over who's taking it, and then when Yates makes the decision the others all accept it and walk away. He may not get regular game time now but it's clear he is still the leader in the squad.

 

[Notcher]

Sorry it was my attempt at humour as his pass before the booking was so bad it deserved a card.

I had a feeling I'd bitten. Damn you Jonno

 

[weejockmcplop]

Match Report

I didn't expect much ahead of kick off last night, what with an opposition as yet unbeaten in the Europa League who could have qualified for the top 8 if they had won, their fans in ebullient and raucous mood, and the Forest crowd well below normal capacity and bolstered with lots of casual fans. And on 5-minutes I thought "Oh dear" as the Hungasrians went close from a set piece, the near post header hitting the post and the follow up being blasted into the Trent end crowd. However, that triggered an instant switch-on by the Forest players and McAtee, Ndoye and Jesus started to run the Magyar defenders ragged. Yates and Sangare were too much for the opposition midfield to cope with, and it was no surpise when Yates dispossessed them, strode forward and crossed for the Ferancvaros defender to put through his own net. 6 minutes later it was Sangare winning the ball in midfield who released Jesus who made no mistake with a well taken goal.
Forest were imperious and could have gone in at half time further in front, but 2-0 it was.
The 2nd half saw Forest continue where they left off, with McAtee in particular showing the technique that made him an England U21 regular. Jesus put away a superb 2nd goal for him with a burst through between 2 defenders and McAtee rounded the evening off converting a last minute penalty following Ndoye being pulled to the ground as he attempted an overhead bicycle kick.
In between Forest's 3rd and 4th goals, Ferancvaros had a bullet header that canoned off the underside of the bar, and somehow didn't go in.
With a bit more luck Forest could have clocked up 6, 7 or even 8 goals.

Player Ratings:

Sels: 8 - 2 very good saves to keep the clean sheet;
Abbott: 7 -worked hard, bt the opposition didn't really take him on;
Milenkovic: 7 - far too strong for the Magyar strikers;
Morato: 7 - only the one brain-fart when he under powered a header back to Sels, who fortunately had come off his line to just beat the on-rushing forward;
Williams: 7 - just plays so consistently every game (and has to play every game!);
Sangare: 7 - far too good for them to handle;
Yates: 7 - led with a great captain's performance;
McAtee: 9 - finally delivered a MOTM performance after being Mr Invisible for the season to date;
Dominguez: 8 - unlucky not to get on the score sheet;
Ndoye: 8 - teased and tantalised all night and deserved a goal;
Jesus: 8 - 2 excellent goals again, and a dominating performance.

Subs: none rated as game was over well before they came on.

A decent end to the leagu phase.
Bring on Parathanaikos!!!!

Mostly agree Captain!
Just a bit harsh on Yates probably tbh.

 

[king_congo_red]

I doubt anyone would have predicted Ferancvaros being so passive before kick-off.
when i spent time in Hungary back in the 1970's the Hungarian club sides were athletic, physical, and had good technique (and were in the main mostly Hungarian players).
Ferancvaros were none of those things.

Hungarian football - and Hungarian sport in general, is a puzzling one to me. They seem to have been consistently underperforming against comparable countries for a very long time now.

 

[Annesleyred]

Glad to see some of the second string (for want of a better description) do what they can do.
Great result

 

[Beardo7]

It is mate, the thing is I've been calling for a 3 man midfield since August. I'm surprised you've not heard me banging that drum through your living room window.

I've been calling for a 3 man midfield for about 3 years now

It's no coincidence that when we have played a 3 in there in the last 2 games we have looked MUCH better.

I wanted a 3 of Ando, Sangare and Douglas-Luiz but that dream is over.

 

[Notcher]

I've been calling for a 3 man midfield for about 3 years now

It's no coincidence that when we have played a 3 in there in the last 2 games we have looked MUCH better.

I wanted a 3 of Ando, Sangare and Douglas-Luiz but that dream is over.

With Dom being so reliable and a graft addict we can play him in there with Sangando or mix it up with Yates when required to brutalise it. It really makes sense with Frattesi when you're looking at the 3 man midfield as he will push higher and it feels like it would be genuinely balanced.