Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes coming 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 place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the score shown is the mean from all the submissions.
