Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they required other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give the supporters confidence 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 header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye 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 welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score displayed is the mean from all the votes.
