Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the score displayed represents the mean from all the votes.
