Forest's Striker Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a excellent performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered 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 performance will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition 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 game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
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 their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the score displayed is the mean from all the submissions.
