Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they required other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit 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 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 back post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the score shown is the average from all the votes.
