Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they required several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest 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 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, 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 positive one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the score shown is the mean from all the submissions.
