Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere 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 good one."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the rating displayed is the mean from all the votes.
