Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they needed several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
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- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
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