Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a excellent performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score shown is the mean from all the submissions.
