Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort 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 break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the score displayed is the average from all the submissions.
