Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in command.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – 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 Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel 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 positive one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus 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 response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed is the mean from all the submissions.
